Mammoth Basil

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Mammoth Basil opens with an intoxicating, cool-mint brightness and a rich, classic basil perfume that lingers on the fingertips—then delivers leaves of truly generous scale.

The foliage is tender and velvety, with broad, Italian-style blades that hold their shape and color through warm weather, making it a standout for bold, aromatic use. Grow Mammoth Basil for fresh bouquets of flavor, vibrant pesto-style sauces, and fragrant finishing handfuls that perfume the garden all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Mammoth Basil throws an unmistakably cool-minty first note before the classic basil perfume settles in, so it shines when you keep it fragrant—tear it in at the end or blend it just enough for a green, glossy pesto. The oversized, velvety leaves hold their shape, making them ideal for wrapping and finishing rather than turning mushy under heat.

Best Uses

pesto that stays bright and green (blend fast, don’t overprocess)
tear-and-finish salads, grilled bread, and hot pasta right off the heat
aromatic chiffonade for soups and broths where the fragrance matters
big-leaf wraps for finishing proteins and vegetables with minimal cooking

Flavor Profile

cool-mint brightness rich classic basil perfume tender, velvety leaves with gentle snap herbaceous, aromatic finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil Parmesan lemon mozzarella chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (basil), and how do I fix it?

Basil commonly suffers from downy mildew (often showing yellow patches on the upper leaves with fuzzy gray-purple growth on the underside), especially in cool, humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves, increase airflow around plants, and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry. If the problem keeps spreading, start fresh from healthy plants because basil mildew can quickly take over dense leaf growth.

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly weeks 3–8), water whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then soak thoroughly until water drains. Aim for consistently moist soil—not soggy—because Ocimum basilicum develops root stress and disease faster in waterlogged beds. In full sun, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week depending on your heat and soil type.

How can I tell when Mammoth basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are about 8–10 inches tall and have developed several pairs of mature leaves, typically around 60 days from sowing under good conditions. For best regrowth, pinch or cut just above a leaf pair (don’t harvest more than about one-third of the plant at once). If flower buds appear, begin harvesting more frequently to slow bolting and keep leaves tender.