Italian Genovese Basil Seeds

Organic, Heirloom

(13 reviews)

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There is nothing like the aroma of basil in the summer! Genovese has the traditional fragrance and flavor, making it excellent for almost any basil dish, especially pesto. One of the most useful herbs, it also has beautiful, edible flowers. In a warm, sunny window, basil can grow indoors in the winter! A good container variety.

Organic Heirloom #6027 - 1.5 grams (~700 seeds)
This packet sows up to 340 feet
$2.49
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Organic Heirloom Large Packet #7750 - 6 grams (~2,770 seeds)
This packet sows up to 1385 feet
$5.59
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Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

Family: Laminaceae

Native: Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual

Plant Dimensions: 18"–24" tall, 10" wide

Variety Information: Large, dark green almond-shaped leaves. This is the true Italian pesto basil from the Genoa area of Italy, pesto capital of the world.

Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Attributes: Good for Containers

When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 65°–85°F. Successive Sowings: We recommend 3 or 4 successive sowings every 3 weeks after initial sowing.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. Transplant when your nighttime temperatures are above 50°F.

Days to Emerge: 5 – 10 Days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"

Row Spacing: 12"

Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"

Harvesting: Basil flavor is best before the plant flowers. Harvest up to 1/3 of the plant at a time, leaving enough for the plant to be healthy and keep producing. Harvest prior to a frost; basil is very frost sensitive.

Basil: Sow and Grow Guide
Edibles for Partial Shade
Herbs DIY Indoor Garden
Herbs: How to Preserve

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Italian Genovese Basil Seeds Reviews

13 reviews

Grows Like A Weed

Jul 20, 2018

I buy this basil from Botanical Interests every year because it grows so well. I typically start it inside in late March, and transplant it outside in late May. I grow about 5 plants and have plenty of basil to not only satisfy my needs, but to share with neighbors too. I've never had trouble with pests on it.

Lindsey Helgoth from CO

Basil Germination

Aug 4, 2019

Although the basil I ordered in 2018 did well, this year's basil seed did not germinate.

Susan Long from WV

Owner Response: Hi Susan, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. A customer service agent will be with you soon regarding the basil germination and to see if we can offer some tips. We send our seeds to an independent laboratory to have their germination rate tested regularly, ensuring we are providing gardeners that test above federal and our own standards. Thank you again for reaching out about your experience and we look forward to talking to you.

Disappointed basil

Jul 17, 2020

I brought the seeds at from our local amstrong garden. Planted the seeds on june 20, its july 17 today and just three germinated from d whole sachet. The seedlings not even a centimeter tall and dont seem to grow any further. I planted d seeds in organic soil. Not sure why they r not growing.

Ambalika from CA

Owner Response: Ambalika, Once basil is germinated it take a bit to set roots and take off. Some exceptions are if the soil is cool or if the media they are growing in is devoid of nutrients. I hope that helps!

Good in containers

Aug 13, 2020

Barely grew in the ground, went to seed quickly. Grew very well in a container.

Leslie from OR

Owner Response: Hi Leslie, It sounds like these grew better for you in a container. It is safe to assume that something about the container growing was less stressful as stress causes early bolting (seed). Potting soils are designed to stay more consistently moist and provide loose growing space for roots. It may help to amend your garden beds or perform a soil test to get the best results in your garden also. Happy gardening!

Great

Sep 26, 2020

Great germination rate, easy to grow, true basil flavor. It thrived in the hot humid Louisiana summer.

Joe from LA

This basil did great in our Northwest island garden

Oct 3, 2020

Great germination rate and lovely garlic, we enjoyed it all summer and put up lots as pesto for the winter.

Paula Richards from WA

Wow Wow Wow

Oct 17, 2020

I never thought I could grow so much Basil! It appears that EVERY seed took and I have basil all over the yard and garden. Lots of wonderful pesto sauce this year and a great addition to salads. Will order again!

Douglas G Stark from TX

Best basil ever!

Nov 18, 2020

We have been growing this basil for three seasons. It has never failed. It is amazingly flavorful and easy to care for. We purchased these to send to relatives in Christmas cards last year, and they've loved them, too.

Kathy L Mitchell from TX

100% Germination

May 11, 2021

I got about a 100% germination from these seeds - they did really well! They smell super fragrant and are growing quickly!

Sun from CA

basil

Sep 27, 2021

Very nice, seeds came right up an it smells lovely now. I have it inside my sun porch. I put NO LO grasshopper bait out this spring early, but there are still a few big ones and they love basil so it is inside.

Katherine from CO

Rich basil!

Nov 2, 2021

These seeds all came up--I had so much basil! Plants were healthy until mid-August when they caught something (I do organic gardening and dealing with plant diseases is my weak point) but they started growing good leaves again. I've made many things including plenty of pesto, and shared both plants and leaves with neighbors and friends. This is a strongly flavored, tender, delicious basil good for wherever you want lots of classic basil flavor!

Beth from MD

Quick growing

Feb 5, 2022

These grew quickly! Unfortunately, was trying to rehabilitate another sickly basil plant in the same window and these sprouts caught whatever that one had, but I'm going to replant and expect it'll go smoothly this time.

E from MD

Great all around

May 28, 2022

All seeds germinated, kept in containers, healthy and strong growth. The smell is absolutely incredible! Tried in many recipes, including that Simple Syrup, delicious!

Bill from TX