Basil Genovese

Basil Genovese: variety and characteristics

Basil Genovese (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herb of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Genovese basil is perhaps the most widespread in the world and can be found in every supermarket.

Basil is grown as an annual because it is very sensitive to temperatures below 10°C.

It is picked just before flowering (June to September).

You can cut off just the tips of the branches so that it grows into a round bush.

This also delays flowering. The white flowers are very popular with bees.

Basil is the king of aromatic herbs — for tomato salad, pesto, pasta and pizza. It grows easily in the garden, in a pot and on a windowsill.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 82%
• Seeds per packet: 497–673 pcs (0.9 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March and April; transplants or direct
• Flowering: June – September
• Harvest: June – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Basil Genovese

Basil Genovese seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower from June to September. The crop is harvested from June to September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Basil Genovese

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.3–0.5 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 5–10 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Basil seeds need warmth to germinate, ideally around 21°C. This can easily be achieved on a sunny windowsill indoors. Basil can also be grown indoors all year round, especially if you have a sunny window or full-spectrum lights. It does great in containers; just make sure you add some compost or another nutrient-rich amendment to your potting mix. Once germinated, encourage strong seedlings by giving them plenty of sun and moisture. Do not overwater: basil seedlings are very prone to damping off. A greenhouse is the ideal place for your basil plants, just make sure you water them often to prevent them from flowering prematurely.

Sow in warm soil — below 12 °C basil stops growing. Pinch out the tips so it branches, and remove flowers for more leaves.

Harvest and use

Pick the leaves before flowering — the aroma is strongest then. Cut above a pair of leaves so that new shoots form.

Frequently asked questions

When should Basil Genovese be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 497–673 seeds, pack size 0.9 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 82%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Can basil be grown on a windowsill?

Yes — on a sunny window, in a pot with drainage, with regular but moderate watering.

Why does basil turn black?

From cold below 10 °C or from overwatering. Only take it outside after mid-May.