← Back to plants
Genovese Basil

Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Genovese Basil

Herb

Ocimum basilicum

  • Partial sun
  • Zone 10
  • 68 days to maturity
  • Herbs
  • 12" spacing
  • High water
  • Annual
  • pH 6–7
Add to my garden
  • Overview

    Authentic flavor and appearance. Tall and relatively slow to bolt with large dark green leaves about 3" long. This common strain of Genovese basil can present some variability in leaf shape and plant size. While quite suitable for field and garden, we recommend using a more modern and more uniform variety for greenhouse, container, or hydroponic production, such as Genovese Compact Improved, Aroma 2, Nufar, Dolly, or the Prospera® series. Ht. 24-30".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil.Also available in organic raw and pelleted seed.

  • Planting

    Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil reaches 70°F. Transplant after all danger of frost has passed.

  • Growing

    Sun: partial. Water: high. Soil pH: 6–7. Space plants 12" apart. Germination: 5-10.

  • Pests & diseases

    Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, slugs, Japanese beetles. Common diseases: Fusarium wilt, downy mildew, bacterial leaf spot, damping off.