I purchased a packet of seeds in May and planted about half the packet. What I thought was in the packet is not what came up. Still basil, but a different variety than what's on the packet. The plants are not doing well and are MAGNETS for Japanese Beetles (much more so than my other varieties of basil I've planted). Any ideas what to do with this variety? I'm pretty sure it's Lettuce Leaf Basil and not Mammoth, but I've never grown LL Basil before and I gotta say, it's not my favorite.
Ideas would be great. Pictures below.

If you don't like it and its attracting bugs, pull it out and drop it into the garbage can. Grow something you are willing to use.

I would also compost it.

That does look like lettuce leaf to me. I wasn't too happy with it the year I grew it. I'd chunk it and free up space for something you like

I have used Milky Spore and I haven't seen a Japanese Beetle here in several years. I used to see many.

The good news is I contacted the seed company and they are replacing the seeds. Bad news is, I won't get any of it this year because it's too late to plant basil here

Mizshelli said:The good news is I contacted the seed company and they are replacing the seeds. Bad news is, I won't get any of it this year because it's too late to plant basil here :(

It's never too late to plant leaf crops like basil. You just have to harvest them sooner than normal. But since they're leaves and the leaves are what you're after, it's totally do-able.

I've planted basil in August and September. You don't get as big a harvest because you have to harvest while the plant is still young, but you do get a more tender, more flavorful (depending on variety) of harvest.

If I were you I'd plant some in a big pot anyway and save some seeds for spring.

Mizshelli said:

I don't know how much experience you have growing Mammoth Sweet Basil but your plant looks exactly like the images offered by respected seed sellers. Here is one example:

http://www.territorialseed.com...
For the folks who don't want to click on the link, this is the image Territorial Seed offers for the Mammoth Sweet Basil.


Mammoth Basil is pictured here also:
http://skyfiregardenseeds.com/...

If you don't like the plant and/or it attracts too many insects, by all means, rip it out and toss it into the compost bin. But it sure looks exactly like what you purchased, Mammoth Sweet Basil. That being said, you probably should contact the Ferry Morse seed company and complain to them because the image on the packet does not represent what the actual plant will look like.

I actually contacted the seed company and they are replacing the seeds, but I'm going to harvest the 10 plants I have anyway. The taste just isn't as good as other varieties I've grown. If they replace the seeds and I get the same thing, well, I'll know not to re-purchase it :).
I like that seed company link you provided too. Might have to get stuff from them.

greene said:

http://www.territorialseed.com...
For the folks who don't want to click on the link, this is the image Territorial Seed offers for the Mammoth Sweet Basil.


Mammoth Basil is pictured here also:
http://skyfiregardenseeds.com/...

If you don't like the plant and/or it attracts too many insects, by all means, rip it out and toss it into the compost bin. But it sure looks exactly like what you purchased, Mammoth Sweet Basil. That being said, you probably should contact the Ferry Morse seed company and complain to them because the image on the packet does not represent what the actual plant will look like.

If taste is important I'd buy Sweet Basil or Italian Basil and stay away from the Mammoth.

greene said:If taste is important I'd buy Sweet Basil or Italian Basil and stay away from the Mammoth.

I have 2 basil plants Italian I think) and they are growing so well I can barely keep up harvesting the leaves. And they seem unbothered by any pests.