Mammolo Basil growing in a terra cotta pot on a white background.
Mammolo Basil with a small crystal dish of basil sorbet.
An arrangement of Mammolo Basil in an orange and white pitcher on a white background.
Mammolo Basil growing in the gardens at Baker Creek.
A side angle of frosted bowl of Mammolo Basil sorbet with a leaf on a white background.
Mammolo Basil in an arrangement with a bowl of basil sorbet on a white background.
Mammolo Basil growing in a terra cotta pot on a white background.
Mammolo Basil with a small crystal dish of basil sorbet.
An arrangement of Mammolo Basil in an orange and white pitcher on a white background.
Mammolo Basil growing in the gardens at Baker Creek.
A side angle of frosted bowl of Mammolo Basil sorbet with a leaf on a white background.
Mammolo Basil in an arrangement with a bowl of basil sorbet on a white background.

Basil Seeds,
Mammolo

4.835 ReviewsSKU: #HB252Min. seed count: 100
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Description

(Ocimum basilicum). A classic Italian Genovese basil, Mammolo has been bred to have an exceptionally high leaf-to-stem ratio and a compact growth habit. The short internodes mean that plants are super bushy, free of undesirable leggy stems and rangy habit. Leaves are large with a classic Italian basil aroma and flavor, without the minty smell and flavor that some experience with Italian basil. This variety is respected by large-scale growers in Italy, who need a uniform, vigorous basil with gold-standard flavor to please the discerning local palate for basil. A market grower's favorite and a must-have for those growing in pots.

Growing Tips: This compact, flavorful Italian heirloom variety thrives in warm weather with full sun, needing 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily. To maximize harvest, remove flower buds promptly, as this encourages the plant to focus on producing flavorful leaves instead of going to seed. The ideal time to harvest leaves is mid-morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, as this is when the leaves are most fragrant and will stay fresh the longest.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Ocimum basilicum
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
6–10
Days to Maturity
60–75
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Mammolo basil is a warm-season herb that should only be planted after all risk of frost has passed, and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 F. This is typically late spring or early summer, depending on your location. Wait for the weather to get warm before transplanting seedlings outdoors. Basil thrives in temperatures ranging from 70-85 F. Check your local region's frost dates to determine the best planting time for your area. If you're not sure how to do it, take a look at our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Start Mammolo basil seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix, keeping the soil moist and maintaining a temperature of 70 to 85°F. Transplant seedlings outdoors once the weather is consistently warm. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. In long-summer regions, you can also direct sow the seeds. For optimal growth, provide consistent moisture and avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

How to Grow

Water regularly at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal issues. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition. To keep your basil productive, pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear. Removing flower spikes in early summer will allow the plant to grow more vigorously. Regularly harvesting leaves encourages new growth and maintains the plant's bushy shape. Mammolo basil grows well in containers and pairs beautifully with companion plants like tomatoes, which can help deter pests.

How to Save Seeds

  • Flower heads mature progressively from the bottom of the stem to the top.
  • When the bottom seed head starts to turn brown, the stem can be cut and allowed to dry away from direct sun in a well-ventilated area.
  • Rub dried raceme over a fine wire mesh and winnow off the chaff.
  • Place chaff in a bowl and carefully swirl contents around. Seeds will gather at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Tip the bowl so that the chaff can be discarded and blow the rest out carefully.

FAQ

How can I prevent Mammolo basil from bolting?

Regularly remove flower buds as soon as they form and harvest leaves frequently to delay bolting and extend the plant's productive lifespan.

When is the best time to harvest Mammolo basil leaves?

Harvest leaves mid-morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. This ensures the leaves are most fragrant and stay fresh the longest.

How to use Mammolo basil in cooking?

Mammolo basil's intense, sweet flavor makes it ideal for pesto, pasta sauces, soups, and garnishes in traditional Italian cooking.

Browse our full range of basil seeds.

Customer reviews

4.8 / 5 35 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Classic sweet flavor: True Genovese taste without the anise note; superb pesto.

  • Huge leaves, compact plant: Giant leaves on bushy plants that suit pots and small spaces.

  • Heavy producer: Grows back fast after cutting; enough to dry and give away.

  • Slow to bolt: Keeps leafing through summer heat with few flowers until fall.

  • Growing tips: Some seedlings sit still for weeks, then take off fast.

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