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Guaranteed to Grow
Neonicotinoid-Free
Seed Saver Approved

Genovese Basil

Quick Facts:

  • Heirloom variety from Italy
  • Large, tender leaves
  • Bold, sweet flavor; Hints of pepper & clove
  • Great for fresh tomato-basil
  • 60 days to harvest

View full description

Quantity: Packet (250 Seeds)

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We ship to all areas of North America including the United States, its territories and outlying islands, and Canada. International orders may incur an additional charge to cover the handling of customs paperwork. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

Genovese Basil

More about Genovese

Ocimum basilicum

Genovese is an Italian basil variety that produces shiny, dark green leaves with a wonderful, sweet aroma.  Genovese basil's large, tender leaves are ideal for making fresh tomato basil and their sweet, rich flavor also makes them perfect for making homemade pesto.  Just cut a few stems, run your fingers down the stems to strip off the leaves and then pulse the leaves in a blender with some pine nuts, garlic and olive oil.  Simple, fresh and easy!  If flower stalks are kept pinched off, the plants will produce right up until frost.  Genovese basil is well-suited for growing in containers as the bushy plants reach just 18-24 inches in height.  Harvests begin 60 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a... More

Less

Ocimum basilicum

Genovese is an Italian basil variety that produces shiny, dark green leaves with a wonderful, sweet aroma.  Genovese basil's large, tender leaves are ideal for making fresh tomato basil and their sweet, rich flavor also makes them perfect for making homemade pesto.  Just cut a few stems, run your fingers down the stems to strip off the leaves and then pulse the leaves in a blender with some pine nuts, garlic and olive oil.  Simple, fresh and easy!  If flower stalks are kept pinched off, the plants will produce right up until frost.  Genovese basil is well-suited for growing in containers as the bushy plants reach just 18-24 inches in height.  Harvests begin 60 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 250 seeds.

Ocimum basilicum

Genovese is an Italian basil variety that produces shiny, dark green leaves with a wonderful, sweet aroma.  Genovese basil's large, tender leaves are ideal for making fresh tomato basil and their sweet, rich flavor also makes them perfect for making homemade pesto.  Just cut a few stems, run your fingers down the stems to strip off the leaves and then pulse the leaves in a blender with some pine nuts, garlic and olive oil.  Simple, fresh and easy!  If flowe... read more

read less

Ocimum basilicum

Genovese is an Italian basil variety that produces shiny, dark green leaves with a wonderful, sweet aroma.  Genovese basil's large, tender leaves are ideal for making fresh tomato basil and their sweet, rich flavor also makes them perfect for making homemade pesto.  Just cut a few stems, run your fingers down the stems to strip off the leaves and then pulse the leaves in a blender with some pine nuts, garlic and olive oil.  Simple, fresh and easy!  If flower stalks are kept pinched off, the plants will produce right up until frost.  Genovese basil is well-suited for growing in containers as the bushy plants reach just 18-24 inches in height.  Harvests begin 60 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 250 seeds.

Gardener holding seedlings
person holding seedlings

How to Grow Basil

Basil requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6 to 7 and ample sunlight of at least 6 to 8 hours a day for optimal growth. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Basil prefers warm temperatures and is susceptible to frost damage. Additionally, it is recommended to prune basil frequently to promote bushier growth and prevent it from bolting.

After danger of frost has passed, sow seeds 1" apart, 1/4" deep in rows 18-24" apart. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 5-10 days. After germination, thin to one plant every 4-8". Can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the basil plant and carefully remove the plant from its current container, taking care not to damage the roots. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist and avoid overwatering, which can cause the roots to rot.

Insect Pests

Diseases & Other Problems

To harvest basil, use sharp scissors to cut off individual leaves or entire stems, leaving a few sets of leaves on the plant to encourage new growth. Harvest basil in the morning when the plant's oils are most concentrated. To store fresh basil, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. Alternatively, basil leaves can be frozen or dried for longer-term storage.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Basil is an inbreeding plant, however the flowers require insects for pollination and they are a favorite of honey bees and other types of bees. It is therefore necessary to isolate different varieties of basil by at least 150 feet to ensure varietal purity. Alternatively, two different varieties may be caged with netting, with one variety being exposed each alternating day to allow for pollination to occur.

HARVESTING SEED:

Basil racemes mature progressively from the bottom of the plant upwards. Once the pods on the bottom portion of the racemes have turned brown, cut the stem and allow the entire plant to dry in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. Release the seeds by rubbing the dried racemes against a fine mesh. Strain and winnow the seeds and store in an airtight container.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Basil seeds can remain viable for up to five years, although their germination rates may decline over time. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to preserve their viability.

Dark Opal Basil

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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J
Joanne Poeggel

Shipped quickly and vigorous seedlings. have sprouted. Looking forward to fresh basil and drying some for winter.

N
Nora Omijie
Love genovese basil

Planted seeds and already growing! Can't wait for them to grow and use. Had received a packet of Genovese seeds elsewhere last year and and happy to see Thresh carries them so I can grow more this year. Love this kind of Basil in making fresh sauce. No such thing as too much basil either. Great service and delivery from Thresh!

J
Jennifer
Superior!

Superior service, outstanding packaging. My basil will be growing and growing!! I love to make and freeze pesto. A plentiful supply of basil is a must. These seeds are just germinating and they’re beautiful! Healthy! Thank you Thresh Seed Co. Will be purchasing all of my need for seeds here!

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