Genovese Basil Seeds – kviterseeds.com
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Genovese Basil Seeds – kviterseeds.com
Genovese Basil Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 2
Genovese Basil Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 3
Genovese Basil Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 4
Genovese Basil Seeds – kviterseeds.com – photo 5

Genovese Basil Seeds

Ocimum Basilicum
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About

Genovese Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) is the classic Italian culinary herb. That's the one that goes to real pesto, Caprese salads, and tomato sauces. It's a native to warm, humid coastal regions of Italy, specifically in the Genoa area. Unlike Thai or lemon Basil, Genovese has no minty undertones. Its taste is bold, savory, and clean. It's a bushy annual that grows up to 12-24 inches tall, with large, dark green leaves that can be harvested from early summer until the first frost. When you order our 1,800 non-GMO, heirloom Ocimum Basilicum seeds online at KVITER, you're getting open-pollinated seeds that can grow both outdoors and indoors in USDA Zones 3-11.

Quick Facts

Life Cycle
Life Cycle Annual
USDA Zones
USDA Zones 03–10
Light Requirements
Light Requirements Full sun
Germination Time
Germination Time 5-10 days
Stratification
Stratification Not required
Spacing
Spacing 9-12 inches
Sowing Method
Sowing Method Indoors & Outdoors
Soil
Soil Well-drained; Fertile; Moist
Flowering Period
Flowering Period Summer
Water Requirements
Water Requirements Moderate (regular watering)
Maturity Time
Maturity Time 60-75 days
Growing Habit
Growing Habit Bushy

How to Grow & Harvest

Sowing & Timing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow outdoors when the soil has reached 65°F. Sow 4-6 Basil Genovese seeds in each cell, cover them about a ¼  inch deep, and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Germination takes 5-10 days at a temperature of 65-75°F. Thin seedlings to one or two per pot, or space them 9 to 12 inches apart in beds after they develop their first set of "true" leaves.

Soil, Watering & Fertilization

Genovese Basil plant requires 6-8 hours of sun per day. Any less and it gets leggy, leaves lose their intensity, and you end up harvesting the stems instead of leaves. Fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0) works best.  Water consistently, but don't overwater it. Let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, especially in containers. 

Growth & Harvest

Pinch off the growing tips every month when plants are 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Feed with a balanced or nitrogen-leaning fertilizer at each major pruning, this will drive 7–8 harvests the plant is capable of. Sweet Genovese is a good companion plant for tomatoes, as this variety repels aphids and whiteflies. 

FAQ

Are these Basil seeds non-GMO and heirloom?

Yes. At KVITER we offer sweet Genovese Basil seeds for sale, which are non-GMO, untreated, and heirloom. Orders over $49 ship free.

Can Genovese Basil be grown indoors?

Yes. A south-facing window with 6+ hours of direct sun is perfect. Grow light placed 4 to 6 inches above seedlings is even better. 6 inch containers can be used for each plant.

Is this variety easy to grow for a beginner?

It's one of the most tolerant herbs: it germinates and grows quickly. The only things to avoid are overwatering and pinch regularly. 

What's the best use for sweet Genovese Basil?

The most obvious answer is pesto, but the best use is as a topping on hot pizza, or in Caprese salads, or as a last-minute addition to tomato pasta dishes. Dried Basil is also used in cooked dishes, although the leaves lose some scent.