Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Laminaceae
Native
Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Further Information
Plant Characteristics
Good for Containers
Growing Conditions
Frost Sensitive
About Italian Genovese Basil Seeds
Ocimum basilicum
Large, dark green almond-shaped leaves. This is the true Italian pesto basil from the Genoa area of Italy, pesto capital of the world.
Planting Basil
Plant Spacing
A group of 2 seeds every 12"
Light Required
Full sun to part shade
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Planting Depth
¼"
Planting Details
| Row Spacing | 12" |
|---|---|
| Seed Depth | ¼" |
| Seed Spacing | A group of 2 seeds every 12" |
| Thinning | When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12" |
| Germination | 5 – 10 Days |
| Start Indoors | RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. Transplant when your nighttime temperatures are above 50°F. |
| Direct Sow | 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. |
| Growing & 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. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 51 Total 4 star reviews: 2 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 2 Total 1 star reviews: 5
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
61 reviews
- Jane M.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars7/18/26Germination was 90%
Transplanted to garden
Nicely after germinating in seed starter soil.
Which best describes you as a gardener? ProfessionalBIBotanical Interests7/21/26Hey Jane,
We're so happy to hear about your fantastic experience with the Italian Genovese Basil Seeds! It's awesome that you got such impressive 90% germination - that's exactly what we love to see with these beauties! Your Genovese is going to give you such incredible flavor for all your cooking adventures! Thanks for sharing your basil growing success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- William S.VA, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/1/26High germination
I have planted these between my tomatos, watermelons, and cantaloupes in different waves. So far they're doing well! I've been battling japanese beetles on my seedlings but they tend to leave the adults plants alone. I love the smell of basil out in the garden when I prune.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised BedBIBotanical Interests7/3/26Hey William,
We're so thrilled to hear about your fantastic germination success with the Italian Genovese Basil Seeds! It sounds like you've got a great companion planting strategy going with those tomatoes, watermelons, and cantaloupes - basil makes such an awesome garden buddy! We love that you're enjoying that amazing basil aroma when you're out there pruning. There's nothing quite like that fresh basil scent in the garden! Thanks for sharing your basil growing success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Danielle M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6/19/26Love Italian Basil!
These seeds are wonderful! I have used them for years and we grow a lot of basil so I can make lots of pesto. I highly recommend Botanical Interest’s seeds.
BIBotanical Interests6/24/26Hey Danielle,
We're so thrilled to hear you've been loving our Italian Genovese Basil Seeds for years! There's nothing quite like growing your own basil for homemade pesto - that sounds absolutely delicious! It's wonderful that you're able to grow enough to make lots of pesto throughout the season. We really appreciate your loyalty and your recommendation of Botanical Interests seeds - that means the world to us! Thanks for sharing your basil and pesto-making success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Frank F.Verified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 stars6/5/26Not great
Low germination rate. Need to replant
BIBotanical Interests6/16/26Hey Frank,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- DonnaRated 5 out of 5 stars5/13/265 Stars
Ive had great success with gardening!