- 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.
Why You’ll Love It
Genovese Basil is beloved for its traditional flavor, fast-growing habit, and versatility in the kitchen. This variety produces broad, deep green leaves with a smooth texture and signature sweet-spicy aroma. Ideal for everything from pesto to caprese salads, it grows beautifully in containers or garden beds and thrives with plenty of sunshine.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 18–24 inches
Growth Habit: Compact and bushy
Leaf Type: Large, smooth, aromatic deep green leaves
Days to Maturity: 60–75 days
Hardiness: Warm-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Classic sweet and slightly spicy basil flavor with rich aroma
Culinary Uses: Perfect for pesto, tomato-based dishes, pasta sauces, fresh salads, herb oils, and infused vinegars. Use fresh or preserve in olive oil or by drying.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Tomatoes, peppers, oregano, chives, and lettuce
Avoid Planting Near: Rue or sage, which may inhibit growth
Bonus Benefit: Basil is known to improve the flavor of nearby vegetables and helps repel pests like aphids and whiteflies
Common Issues and Solutions
Flowering Too Early: Pinch off flower heads regularly to encourage leaf growth
Fungal Issues: Avoid overhead watering; provide good air circulation and water at the base
Yellowing Leaves: May be due to overwatering or nutrient deficiency — water evenly and consider a mild organic fertilizer
Seeds Per Packet
| 500mg | Approximately 350 |
| 1g | Approximately 700 |
| 2g | Approximately 1,400 |
| 3g | Approximately 2,100 |
Why You’ll Love It
Genovese Basil is beloved for its traditional flavor, fast-growing habit, and versatility in the kitchen. This variety produces broad, deep green leaves with a smooth texture and signature sweet-spicy aroma. Ideal for everything from pesto to caprese salads, it grows beautifully in containers or garden beds and thrives with plenty of sunshine.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 18–24 inches
Growth Habit: Compact and bushy
Leaf Type: Large, smooth, aromatic deep green leaves
Days to Maturity: 60–75 days
Hardiness: Warm-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Classic sweet and slightly spicy basil flavor with rich aroma
Culinary Uses: Perfect for pesto, tomato-based dishes, pasta sauces, fresh salads, herb oils, and infused vinegars. Use fresh or preserve in olive oil or by drying.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Tomatoes, peppers, oregano, chives, and lettuce
Avoid Planting Near: Rue or sage, which may inhibit growth
Bonus Benefit: Basil is known to improve the flavor of nearby vegetables and helps repel pests like aphids and whiteflies
Common Issues and Solutions
Flowering Too Early: Pinch off flower heads regularly to encourage leaf growth
Fungal Issues: Avoid overhead watering; provide good air circulation and water at the base
Yellowing Leaves: May be due to overwatering or nutrient deficiency — water evenly and consider a mild organic fertilizer
Seeds Per Packet
| 500mg | Approximately 350 |
| 1g | Approximately 700 |
| 2g | Approximately 1,400 |
| 3g | Approximately 2,100 |
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