How to Grow Superbissima Basil
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Superbissima Basil
Ocimum basilicum var. superbissima
herbSuperbissima basil is a large-leafed Italian heirloom variety known for its substantial, deeply-veined leaves and robust flavor. This bushy, ornamental herb produces abundant foliage ideal for fresh use and culinary applications. It grows vigorously and maintains an attractive shape with minimal pruning.
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Example Superbissima Basil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Superbissima Basil
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Superbissima Basil
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Superbissima Basil dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grows best in zones 5-10; suitable as annual in colder zones; thrives in warm-season climates
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves), developing first true leaves within 1-2 weeks
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and moist. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and the characteristic large, wrinkled leaves. Growth is rapid and bushy with regular branching
Pinch off growing tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage bushiness. Remove any flower buds that appear. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches full size (12-18 inches tall) and begins producing flower buds at stem tips
Continue pinching buds if you want to extend the leafy vegetative stage and maximize foliage production. Increase watering during warm weather.
Flowering
2-4 weeks (can be prolonged if buds are removed)Delicate white or pale pink flowers emerge in terminal spikes above the foliage. Leaf flavor may become slightly more peppery
Pinch off flower spikes to redirect energy to leaf production if harvesting for culinary use. Allow some flowers if attracting pollinators is desired.
Seed Development & Senescence
3-4 weeksIf flowers are left unpicked, seeds develop in the flower spikes and plant growth slows. Leaves may diminish in quality and quantity
Allow to set seed only if saving seed for next year. Otherwise, remove flowers to maintain vigor. Plant naturally declines as temperatures cool in fall.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning. Use row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Introduce yellow sticky traps. Maintain good air circulation.
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Increase humidity by misting. Spray with neem oil or sulfur. Rinse leaves with water spray to dislodge mites.
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Spray with strong water stream. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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and
(Gastropoda)
Hand-pick at dusk. Create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth. Remove debris where they hide.
Uses
Fresh Pesto & Sauces
CulinarySuperbissima's large, flavorful leaves are ideal for making pesto, basil oil, and Italian sauces. The robust leaves hold up well to processing and create rich, aromatic sauces. [source]
Salads & Fresh Preparations
CulinaryTear or slice the tender leaves for salads, Caprese dishes, pasta garnish, and fresh marinades. The large leaves make attractive plating easy. [source]
Herbal Remedies & Tea
MedicinalBasil leaves can be steeped into tea to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide antimicrobial benefits. Traditionally used in various herbal preparations. [source]
Fresh Herb Drying & Storage
HouseholdLarge leaves dry quickly and retain flavor well, perfect for creating dried herb blends, herbal mixtures, and preserved herb collections. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, basil blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall (4-5 weeks after planting). Pinch off the top 2-4 leaves regularly to encourage bushiness and prolong production. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and aroma. Superbissima's large leaves can be harvested individually or entire stems can be cut. For continuous supply, harvest regularly but never remove more than one-third of the plant at once. Flavor peaks just before flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Superbissima is an Italian heirloom variety whose name means 'very beautiful' or 'most beautiful,' referring to its attractive appearance and large, distinctive wrinkled leaves.
- 🌱 Basil's aromatic oils intensify in heat and sunlight, so Superbissima grown in warm, sunny conditions produces more flavorful leaves than shade-grown plants.
- 🌱 Regular pinching of basil triggers increased branching—by removing the top bud, the plant responds by producing two new stems, leading to exponential growth in just weeks.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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