Ocimum basilicum 'Mammoth'
Overview
Uses: Herb: can be used fresh or dried. May also be used for landscaping and as an indoor or outdoor potted plant.
Benefits: Mammoth leaf variety grows huge shiny gorgeous green leaves that grow up to 8 inches in size! Similar taste to Genovese Basil, but slightly stronger. Grows insignificant flowers that are known to attract pollinators such as bees.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 - 12 (grown as an annual in cooler zones w/ temps above 55°F)
Sun: Full
Life Cycle: Annual (perennial in zones 10 - 12)
Mature Height: 20"
Mature Width: 14"
Bloom Season: Summer
Summary
Mammoth Basil is best known for its extremely large leaves that are widely used as a herb. It's often referred to as "Lettuce Basil". It's the best type of basil for making pesto or basil salads.
Provides a wonderful smell to the areas that it grows in.
It can be grown indoors and on your patio as a potted plant, and also thrives when planted outside assuming the soil and air temperatures are above 55°F.
Grows beautiful white flowers that attract pollinators and may be used in cooking.
Care
Mammoth Basil Care
Provide at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
Flower development will occur mid to late summer. Flowers may be pinched to encourage a bushy plant full of foliage. Flowers may also be left alone to provide area beautification, attract pollinators, harvested for use in cooking, or allowed to go into seed.
By pinching and preventing blooming you also help preserve the plant's natural volatile oils which are responsible for basil's robust flavor and aroma.
Water regularly after planting or repotting, keeping soil moist but not wet until the plant is established. We suggest attempting to make sure your basil plant gets about 1" of water every week during periods of growth.
Established basil does best with the minimal amount of water and fertilizer required to keep it alive. Over watered and over fertilized basil seems to not have a taste as delicious as it should.
Basil is a great companion plant to most vegetables, but avoid growing with cucumbers and other herbs (especially sage).
Planting with tomatoes will repel many pests and attract beneficial insects to your tomato plants.
Do not allow exposure to temperatures below 55°F. Will die if exposed to frost.
Size
Size of Mammoth Basil for Sale Online
The Mammoth Basil Plants that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.
Size of Mammoth Basil When Fully Grown
Mammoth Basil typically grows to a size of around 20" tall and 14" wide. Its size may grow as large as 24" tall and 18" wide.
Additional Information
Botanical Name of Mammoth Basil
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Ocimum basilicum 'Mammoth'
Toxicity and Risks of Basil
Ocimum basilicum is not considered to be toxic to people or pets when consumed in normal doses; however, it does contain chemicals such as estragole that can be toxic in large doses.
It is very unlikely that anyone would consume enough basil to be concerned about the threat of estragole poisoning. One must be careful; however, not to drink too much basil tea or basil oil, as these sources often concentrate chemicals. As such, we suggest drinking no more than 2 cups of basil tea a day, and not eating or drinking any basil oil without guidance from a medical professional.
