Dwarf Sweet Basil
Italian Cameo Basil is a compact herb that brings the authentic essence of Italian cooking into even the smallest garden spaces. This annual variety grows to just 12 inches tall with a naturally tidy growth habit, making it perfect for containers, windowsills, or tight garden corners. Thriving in full sun with proper warmth, it rewards patient gardeners with aromatic foliage ready for harvest throughout the growing season.
Full Sun
High
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12in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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What sets Italian Cameo apart is its naturally compact stature, you get all the flavor and fragrance of basil without the sprawling plant that demands constant pruning. It's small enough to tuck into any sunny spot, yet substantial enough to provide generous harvests for fresh cooking. The variety's neat, manageable growth habit makes it ideal for gardeners who want serious culinary results without fussy maintenance.
Italian Cameo basil is grown for its aromatic leaves, which are used fresh in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The foliage can be harvested and added to pesto, pasta dishes, fresh salads, tomato-based sauces, and herb oils. Fresh leaves are best used immediately after picking to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Sow seeds 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep in seed starting mix, then keep the soil warm and evenly moist with plenty of light. Seedlings should be ready to transplant once they're large enough to handle and outdoor nighttime temperatures reliably stay above 50°F.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space plants 6 inches apart in a location with full sun exposure. Handle seedlings gently and plant at the same depth they were growing in their containers.
Begin harvesting leaves once the plant is established and has several sets of true leaves. Pinch off leaves from the top of the stem, working downward, this encourages branching and keeps the plant full and productive. Harvest regularly throughout the season; frequent harvesting actually promotes more vigorous growth. Pick leaves in the morning after the dew has dried for the best flavor and aroma.
Pinch off the top growth regularly to encourage bushier, more compact development and prevent flowering. Remove any flower buds as they appear to keep energy focused on leaf production and maintain the plant's neat, tidy shape.
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