Mammoth Basil

Basil

Zone 1a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Mammoth Basil opens with an intoxicating, cool-mint brightness and a rich, classic basil perfume that lingers on the fingertips—t…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 18th
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Aug 3rd
Harvest Begins	Oct 2nd
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

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

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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.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Grow basil warm—transplant only after nights stay reliably warm, and harvest often to keep it bushy for pesto-style leaf production.