Description

Mountain Basil (Ocimum basilicum), known in Italian as Basilico di Montagna or Basilico Artico, is a vigorous, aromatic basil variety prized for its smooth green leaves, upright growth and intense fragrance. Unlike traditional sweet basil, this hardy variety tolerates cooler temperatures and can remain productive for a longer growing season.

Perfect for fresh pesto, pasta sauces, salads, pizzas and traditional Mediterranean dishes, Mountain Basil offers a rich, slightly spicy flavour. Its robust growth and excellent leaf production make it an ideal choice for home herb gardens, balconies and containers.

🌱 Growing Instructions

☀️ Sunlight: Prefers 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Benefits from partial afternoon shade during Malta’s hottest summer months.

💧 Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during warm weather, preferably early in the morning.

🌱 Soil: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.

🌡️ Temperature: Grows best between 15°C–28°C. More tolerant of cooler temperatures than traditional basil, but should still be protected from frost and prolonged cold spells.

📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 25–30 cm between plants for healthy, bushy growth and good air circulation.

🌾 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic or herb fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during active growth, following product instructions.

✂️ Harvesting: Pinch or cut the upper stems regularly, just above a pair of leaves, to encourage branching. Remove flower buds to maintain tender, flavourful foliage.

🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)

Best planting season: March to October, with the possibility of extending the growing season into late autumn in sheltered locations.

Position: Sunny herb gardens, raised beds, balconies or containers. Provide afternoon shade during Malta’s hottest months.

Companion plants: Tomatoes, peppers, parsley and oregano.

Common issue: Yellowing leaves or root rot may result from excessive watering and poor drainage. Ensure good air circulation and avoid keeping the soil waterlogged.

📦 Product Information

Variety: Basilico di Montagna (Mountain Basil)

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

Plant Type: Culinary Herb Seedling

Quantity: 6 Seedlings per Tray

Harvest Season: Spring to Autumn, potentially extending into early winter in sheltered conditions

Special Characteristics: Vigorous upright growth, intensely aromatic green leaves, improved tolerance to cooler temperatures and a longer harvesting season compared to traditional sweet basil.

Important Information

Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.

The price is per one tray of 6 seedlings.