Mammoth Basil – MIg

Description

Mammoth Basil is a classic heirloom variety renowned for its exceptionally large, crinkled, bright green leaves and rich, sweet aroma. Its oversized leaves make it ideal for fresh salads, pesto, sandwiches, wraps, pasta dishes, and even stuffing or wrapping foods. This vigorous, high-yielding basil thrives in warm weather and produces abundant foliage throughout the growing season.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors in September or February.
• Outdoors: Direct sow or transplant seedlings from October through March, when temperatures are warm and frost-free.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Plant in a location that receives 6–8 hours of full sun daily. Use fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days.
• Spacing: Space plants 30–40 cm apart, with 40–50 cm between rows to accommodate their large size.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during warm weather.
• Feeding: Apply compost before planting and feed with a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage continuous leaf production.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting leaves in 40–50 days. Harvest regularly and remove flower buds to encourage bushier growth and prolonged leaf production.
• Harvesting Tips: Pinch stems just above a pair of leaves to promote branching and maximize yields throughout the season.