Genovese Basil Seeds

Genovese Basil is the classic Italian sweet basil beloved for its rich fragrance, lush green leaves, and versatile culinary flavor. This open-pollinated variety produces large, tender leaves with a sweet, herbal aroma that’s perfect for pesto, salads, tomato dishes, and fresh garden snipping. Easy to grow and highly productive, Genovese Basil is a must-have herb for kitchen gardens and containers alike.

Seed Packet Details

Packet Size: Standard home-garden seed packet (Approx. 150 seeds)

Packed with care and shipped from Kentucky.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Variety: Genovese Basil
Seed Type: Open-pollinated
Life Cycle: Annual

What to Expect

Genovese Basil develops lush, bushy plants with glossy, aromatic leaves prized for their bold, sweet basil flavor. This variety grows quickly in warm weather and rewards gardeners with abundant harvests throughout the season. Leaves are best harvested regularly to encourage continued growth and rich flavor.

Growing Basics

Sun: Full sun
Plant Height: 12–24 inches
Sow Method: Direct sow or transplant
Sow Depth: ¼ inch
Plant Spacing: 8–12 inches
Row Spacing: 12–18 inches
Days to Maturity: Approximately 55–65 days
Growing Conditions: Warm-season herb; well-drained soil

Growing Guide: Basil

Overview

Basil is a warm-season herb cherished for its aromatic leaves and abundant kitchen uses. Genovese Basil is the quintessential sweet basil, perfect for fresh pesto, herb butters, and summer garden harvests.

Before Planting

Choose a sunny, well-drained site with fertile soil. Basil thrives in warm conditions and benefits from rich, moist soil amended with compost.

Planting

Direct sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil is warm. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing plants 8–12 inches apart with 12–18 inches between rows. For an earlier start, sow indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting.

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist, especially during warm weather. Water at the soil level to avoid leaf wetness and reduce disease risk.

Fertilizing

Incorporate balanced fertilizer or compost into the soil before planting. Basil appreciates steady nutrition to support lush leaf growth.

Days to Maturity

Genovese Basil typically reaches harvest readiness in about 55–65 days, depending on growing conditions.

Harvesting

Harvest leaves regularly once plants have enough foliage to support cutting. Pinch flowering tips to encourage bushier growth and more leaf production.

Growing Tips

Plant basil near tomatoes and peppers to complement garden flavors and support beneficial insect activity. Remove flower buds to focus plant energy on leaf growth for peak flavor.