60-90 Days to maturity. Ocimum basilicum. Mammoth Basil Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom. Suitable for growing in fields, containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Mammoth basil is a lettuce leaf basil, and has leaves that can stretch out as long as your hand. If you are a basil fan, this is the Granddaddy of the basil family. Featuring large, shiny, green, luscious leaves, a chef's dream herb. ~19,000 seeds/oz. 250 mg Packet. Download Free Herb Growing Guide PDF Read Full Basil Herb Growing Guide Instructions Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum Hardiness Zone: Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Days to Maturity: 60-90 Days to Germination: 5-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: Yes Start Indoors: Yes, 6-8 weeks before transplanting. Plant Spacing: 12-18 inches Row Spacing: 24-30 inches Plant Height: 18-24 inches Plant Width: 18-24 inches Growth Habit: Upright branching Deer Resistant: No Soil Preference: Consistently moist, fertile, well-drained Temperature Preference: 65-80 F Germination Temperature: 68-70 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to rot and mildew in overly saturated, heavy, and poorly drained soil. Basil does not have too many pests or insects and is generally seeded in the garden to help minimize pests. Mammoth Basil Color: Green leaves with tiny purple flowers on spike. Mammoth Basil Flavor: Robust sweet basil flavor Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Fields Climate Tolerance: Heat tolerant with adequate moisture. Growing Mammoth Basil in the Herb Garden Basil is a warm-weather crop grown both indoors and out. For earliest starts, begin indoors 6-8 weeks prior to final frost. Plant 4-6 seeds .25 inches deep per cell or 3-4 inches apart in the garden in moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Germinates in 5-10 days, thinning back to 1-2 plants per pot or every 9-12 inches in the garden as true leaves establish. Harden off seedlings if transplanting outside. Harvesting of Mammoth Basil The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning. Harvest/prune the plants before they set flowers to encourage the plant to produce fresh leaves throughout the season. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part. A shot of liquid nitrogen fertilizer, at pruning time, will help the plants recover. Eat basil often and dry or freeze leaves throughout the summer. Make your final harvest before the weather drops below 40 F, as the plant will not survive the cold. About Mammoth Basil Garden Seeds It is excellent for pesto, salads, and also works well as a crisp lettuce substitute in sandwiches or wraps. This variety is a "pick-and-come-again" herb, meaning it produces continuously when the leaves are harvested regularly. Overall, Mammoth basil is prized for its large leaves, strong flavor, and versatility in the kitchen, making it a favorite among basil strains. Tips From Our Gardeners "Mammoth is the largest leaf strain I am aware of. If you regularly make pesto, this would be a good choice" - Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer Mammoth Basil Seeds Per Package: 250 mg packet - Approximately 160 Seeds Non-GMO Mammoth Basil seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.