Basil 'Genovese'
Ocimum basilicum
Genovese is perhaps the most iconic basil. Rather than a single cultivar, it is a group of cultivars of sweet basil from Italy, most famous for its use in Italian cuisine. While basil likely made its way to Europe from India, the cultivation of Genovese basil, specifically, can be traced back to the Renaissance in Italy.
The name "Genovese" refers to Genoa, a city in Northern Italy, famous for its creation of pesto alla Genovese—a sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. A summer favorite in our house!
While it's typically recommended to grow basil in full sun, you may want to try growing Genovese basil in the shade (which I first learned through The Art of Eating). Il basilico di Prà is considered the best Genovese basil for traditional Genovese pesto. What makes the little leaves so special is terroir: grown exclusively in a town called Prà, located a few miles west of Genova. Plants are grown in partial shade and leaves are harvested young and bright green.
P.S., there’s a popular belief among chefs and gardeners that growing basil next to tomatoes can improve the flavor of the tomatoes (but ahem, the shade from the tomatoes may just improve the flavor of the basil).
You could say that I have a thing for basil😂. One year I grew over 20 cultivars, a bit much! But I mean, what's not to love? Basil is as incredible in the kitchen as it is in the cut-flower garden.
While this ancient plant has been cultivated for thousands of years for culinary, medicinal, and spiritual purposes, it has also gradually gained popularity in floral design, where it is prized as a fragrant filler.
I included my Top 7 Basil Varieties in our seed launch, and each one was selected for its unique properties.
Packet contains approximately 150 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Days to maturity: 68 days
Light preference: Full sun/part shade (see below)
Plant spacing: 4-8 inches
Plant height: 24-30 inches
Hybrid status: Open pollinated
SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 5–10 days at 65–70°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 6 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost. Basil is very sensitive to cold. May also be direct sown. In general, basil should be grown in full sun. However, try growing Genovese basil in the shade for a brighter flavor and color.
Harvest
Harvest once plants have become established. Cut during the coolest parts of the day to avoid wilting. For culinary varieties, harvest before the plants start to flower. We actually prefer culinary varieties quite young, but you can also cut them more mature. Leaves are easily bruised when picking, so handle with care and do not store at less than 50°F.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
