Basil Genovese Herb Seeds

BASIL ‘Genovese’ Herb Seeds

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

• Classic Italian basil variety prized for its sweet, aromatic flavour.
• Large, tender leaves perfect for pesto, salads, and Mediterranean dishes.
• Fast-growing annual herb ideal for garden beds, pots, and sunny balconies.
• Thrives in warm weather and produces abundantly over summer.
• Attracts bees and other pollinators when allowed to flower.
• Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth.
• Excellent companion plant for tomatoes, capsicums, and eggplants.

Plant Details:

• Plant Type: Warm-season annual herb
• Plant Height: 30–60 cm

Sowing Information:

• Sow When:
  • Temperate: September–December (after last frost)
  • Subtropical: August–January
  • Tropical: Year-round
  • Cool: October–December (start indoors in cooler areas)
  • Arid: August–January
• Germination: 7–14 days @ 20–25°C
• Depth: 3–5 mm
• Position: Full sun
• Sow Where: Direct into garden beds, pots, or seed trays for transplanting
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost; pH 6.0–7.5
• Spacing: 25–30 cm between plants; rows 40–45 cm apart

Growing Tips:

• Pinch out the tips above the second set of true leaves to promote bushiness.
• Harvest regularly to prevent plants from flowering too early.
• Water at the base to avoid fungal diseases; keep soil evenly moist.
• Protect from frost and cold winds—basil is sensitive to temperature drops.
• Allow a few plants to flower at the end of the season to attract pollinators and save seed.

Harvest:

Begin harvesting from 30–40 days after sowing. Pick individual leaves or trim stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage new growth.

When to Sow Basil ‘Genovese’ in Your Climate

Click here to find out more about growing basil from seed.
Read more about Ocimum basilicum plant details.