- Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Annual
- Hardiness Zone: 9-12 Perennial
Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
Plant Type: Annual herb
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
Water: Regular, even moisture
Seed Depth: 1/4 inch
Seed Spacing: 6-12 inches
Days to Germination: 5-10 days
Maturity: 60-75 days
Sunlight: Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily) for optimal growth.
Soil Type: Prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
When to Plant: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date when the soil is warm, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly with soil. Water gently to keep the soil moist.
Indoor Sowing: Start seeds in seed trays or pots using a lightweight seed-starting mix. Transplant outdoors once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves.
Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Watering: Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, but avoid overwatering.
Thinning: Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they are 2-3 inches tall.
Pruning: Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to support healthy growth.
Weeding: Use mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- When to Harvest: Begin harvesting leaves once the plant is 6-8 inches tall, before flowers develop.
- How to Harvest: Use scissors or pinch off leaves and stems, leaving at least one-third of the plant intact for regrowth.
- Seed Collection: Allow flowers to bloom and form seeds. Once seeds dry on the plant, collect them by shaking flower heads into a bag.
- Storing Seeds: Store seeds in a cool, dark place in an airtight container for up to 5 years.
Visit Our Detailed Artichoke Growing Guide and Tips!
Plant Characteristics
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Growth Habit: Compact, bushy plant with abundant leaves
- Foliage: Glossy, bright green leaves with a smooth texture
- Flowers: Small white blooms that attract bees and pollinators
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Genovese Basil is celebrated for its sweet, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of anise. Perfect for making fresh pesto, it pairs beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Use it fresh in salads, sandwiches, and marinades, or dry the leaves for long-term storage to enjoy its flavor year-round.
Benefits of Growing Genovese Basil
- Provides an abundant harvest of fragrant, flavorful leaves.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
- Thrives in containers, making it suitable for small spaces or urban gardening.
- Easy to grow and maintain, ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Offers a fresh, homegrown alternative to store-bought herbs.
Fun Facts & History
Genovese Basil traces its roots to the Liguria region of Italy, where it has been a culinary favorite for centuries. It is the key ingredient in traditional Genovese pesto, a recipe that dates back to the 16th century. Basil was considered a sacred herb in ancient Greece and India, symbolizing love and protection. Today, it remains a beloved staple in gardens and kitchens worldwide, connecting gardeners to a rich history of flavor and tradition.
Seeds Per Packet
| 100mg | Approximately 67 |
| 500mg | Approximately 335 |
| 1g | Approximately 670 |
| 2g | Approximately 1340 |
Visit Our Detailed Artichoke Growing Guide and Tips!
Plant Characteristics
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Growth Habit: Compact, bushy plant with abundant leaves
- Foliage: Glossy, bright green leaves with a smooth texture
- Flowers: Small white blooms that attract bees and pollinators
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Genovese Basil is celebrated for its sweet, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of anise. Perfect for making fresh pesto, it pairs beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Use it fresh in salads, sandwiches, and marinades, or dry the leaves for long-term storage to enjoy its flavor year-round.
Benefits of Growing Genovese Basil
- Provides an abundant harvest of fragrant, flavorful leaves.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
- Thrives in containers, making it suitable for small spaces or urban gardening.
- Easy to grow and maintain, ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Offers a fresh, homegrown alternative to store-bought herbs.
Fun Facts & History
Genovese Basil traces its roots to the Liguria region of Italy, where it has been a culinary favorite for centuries. It is the key ingredient in traditional Genovese pesto, a recipe that dates back to the 16th century. Basil was considered a sacred herb in ancient Greece and India, symbolizing love and protection. Today, it remains a beloved staple in gardens and kitchens worldwide, connecting gardeners to a rich history of flavor and tradition.
Seeds Per Packet
| 100mg | Approximately 67 |
| 500mg | Approximately 335 |
| 1g | Approximately 670 |
| 2g | Approximately 1340 |
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