Tasty Tuesday Herb Spotlight: Piccolino Basil

 Herb Spotlight: Piccolino Basil 

 
Common name: Piccolino Basil 
 
Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum ‘Piccolino’ 
 
Family: Lamiaceae 
 
Compact, tidy, and packed with classic basil flavor, Piccolino Basil is a miniature variety that’s perfect for small spaces and container gardening. Its naturally rounded shape and tiny aromatic leaves make it both ornamental and incredibly useful in the kitchen. 
 
Why Grow Piccolino Basil? 
 
1. Perfect for Containers 
 
Piccolino’s compact growth habit makes it ideal for patios, balconies, windowsills, and mixed planters. 
 
2. Classic Basil Flavor in a Tiny Package 
 
Despite its small leaves, Piccolino delivers the sweet, rich basil flavor you love for pasta, pizza, salads, and pesto. 
 
3. Beautiful Ornamental Shape 
 
This variety naturally forms a dense, globe-shaped mound that looks polished and decorative all season long. 

 
4. Easy to Harvest 
 
The small leaves are tender and ready to use right off the plant with minimal chopping. 
 
Growing & Care 
 
Light 
 
• Prefers full sun (6–8 hours daily) 
 
• Best flavor develops in bright, warm conditions 
 
Water 
 
• Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained 
 
• Avoid letting plants completely dry out 

Soil 
 
• Rich, fertile, well-draining soil 
 
• Benefits from occasional feeding during the growing season 
 
Growth Habit 
 
• Compact, mounded annual herb 
 
• Typically grows 10–16 inches tall and wide 
 
• Naturally tidy with minimal pruning needed 

 
Climate & Zones 
 
• Grown as an annual in most USDA Zones 
 
• Loves warm weather and summer heat 
 
• Sensitive to frost 
 
Growing in Zone 5 
 
Zone 5 gardeners should plant Piccolino Basil after all danger of frost has passed. 
 
• Thrives in containers, raised beds, and herb gardens 
 
• Excellent for sunny patios and small-space gardening 
 
• Can be grown indoors in bright light 
 
Tip: Pinch flower buds early to encourage continued leaf production throughout summer. 
 
Harvesting Piccolino Basil 
 
What to Harvest 
• Small, tender leaves and stem tips 
• Harvest regularly to encourage fresh growth 
 
When to Harvest 
• Begin harvesting once plants are full and established 

• Best harvested in the morning for strongest flavor

 
How to Use Piccolino Basil 
• Toss fresh leaves onto pizza and pasta 
• Add to salads, sandwiches, and caprese dishes 
• Blend into pesto or herb butter 
• Garnish soups and summer appetizers 
• Use whole leaves for effortless cooking and presentation 
 
Preserving Basil 
Freezing 
• Blend leaves with olive oil and freeze in cubes 
• Helps preserve fresh basil flavor for winter cooking 
 
Drying 
• Can be dried, though basil is best enjoyed fresh or frozen for maximum flavor 
 
Final Thoughts  
Growing Piccolino Basil brings classic basil flavor to even the smallest garden spaces. Its compact shape, fragrant foliage, and kitchen versatility make it a favorite for container gardeners and basil lovers alike. 
 
Come visit The Flower Bin to pick up Piccolino Basil and add fresh flavor to your patio, kitchen, or garden!