The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Ocimum basilicum. There is nothing like the aroma of basil in the summer! Genovese has the traditional fragrance and flavor, making it excellent for almost any basil dish, especially pesto. One of the most useful herbs, it also has beautiful, edible flowers. In a warm, sunny window, basil can grow indoors in the winter! A good container variety.[1]
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
When to Plant Your Seedling
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun to part shade | 55-100 F | Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter | Keep soil evenly moist |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 12" | 12" | 80-90 days from seed |
- Additional instructions: 12"–24" tall and wide Large, dark green almond-shaped leaves. This is the true Italian pesto basil from the Genoa area of Italy, pesto capital of the world.[1] Plant with your tomatoes as they will help compliment each others flavours.
- Harvesting instructions: Basil flavor is best before the plant flowers. Harvest up to 1/3 of the plant at a time, leaving enough for the plant to be healthy and keep producing. Harvest prior to a frost; basil is very frost sensitive.[2] For most tender leaves, harvest frequently to encourage new growth and to prevent flowers from developing. Pinch off any flowers that do develop. For seeds, allow flowers to develop. Many beneficial insects appreciate basil flowers, so consider allowing some plants to flower.[3]
Common Diseases and Pests
- Earwigs, centipedes, Bacterial leaf spot[3]
Useful Resources
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Italian-Genovese-Basil-Seeds (Seed Source)
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Basil-Sow-and-Grow-Guide
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/herbs/basil/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.