Bring the taste of Italy straight to your backyard!
Basil Genovese is the classic Italian basil that fills the air with sweet, spicy fragrance and fills your kitchen with flavor. With tender green leaves and a rich aroma, it’s the go-to herb for pesto lovers and pasta perfectionists.
Variety: Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Growth Habit: Annual herb
Height: 18–24 inches
Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly spicy, and intensely aromatic
Color: Bright green, smooth, cupped leaves
Planting Conditions: Full sun and rich, well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Ready in 60–75 days
Uses: Pesto, pasta, salads, herbal teas, garnishes
Fun Fact: Genovese basil is the traditional variety used in authentic Italian pesto alla Genovese, originating from the Liguria region of Italy.
If you’ve ever dreamed of making fresh pesto from your own garden, this is the basil for you. Genovese’s lush green leaves are bursting with sweet, spicy oils that elevate everything from caprese salads to tomato sauces. It’s a must-have for Italian cooking and a joy to grow—just brush the leaves and you’ll be transported to a sunny terrace in Liguria. Whether you’re blending, steeping, or snipping, this basil brings the flavor and the flair.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Basil loves warmth and full sun—aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after frost danger has passed. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
💧 Water Gently: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water at the base to avoid mildew.
🌾 Thin and Maintain: Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart. Pinch off flower buds to encourage more leaf growth.
✂️ Harvest: Begin harvesting when plants are 6–8 inches tall. Regular picking promotes bushier growth.
For Microgreens
🌱 Prepare Your Tray: Use a shallow tray with drainage. Fill with seed-starting mix or coco coir.
🌾 Sow the Seeds: Scatter seeds evenly (8–10 grams per 10"x20" tray). Lightly press into the surface.
💧 Mist and Cover: Mist gently and cover with a humidity dome or tray lid.
🌱 Germination (Days 1–4): Keep in a warm, dark place. Mist daily.
🌞 Light and Watering (Days 5–10): Remove cover and place under grow lights or in a sunny window. Begin bottom watering.
✂️ Harvest (Days 10–14): Cut when microgreens are 2–3 inches tall. Use fresh or store in the fridge for up to a week.
