- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
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Variety Info
Family: Laminaceae
Type: Basil (Learn more)
Native: Probably Africa, but in cultivation for so long that it cannot be verified.
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Plant Dimensions: 18"–24" tall, 10" wide
Variety Info: Large, dark green almond-shaped leaves. This is the true Italian pesto basil from the Genoa area of Italy, pesto capital of the world.
Attributes: Frost Sensitive, Good for Containers
Sowing Info
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"
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
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.
- Ellen T.Verified ReviewerRated 1 out of 5 stars7/23/25Didn’t grow. Tried 6 times in a variety of ways
I didn’t have this problem last season, but this year, these did not start anywhere. Not one single sprout. Started in cells before final frost, after, in ground, in garden beds, nothing. Did not get one single basil plant! This is typically the easiest plant to grow, so they must have had a horrendous batch of seeds or something. Disappointed because it’s such an easy, good herb to have.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests7/23/25Hey Ellen,
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 🌻️
- Marcene S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2/5/255 Stars
Started these in my garage under grow lights. They germinated quickly and I transferred to a large pot outdoors when weather was warm enough. I planted these last season. Took no pictures. They grew as expected and we had beautiful plants and used the basil well into the fall.
- ARIEL B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1/31/255 Stars
Absolutely loved the variety of seeds available as well as the gardening products to make things easier for newer gardeners. The explanations, suggestions and guidance on the actual seed packets is so awesome.
- Harriet M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1/31/255 Stars
This was a gift. The recipient was thrilled!
- Ondrea L.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars12/21/245 Stars
Great producing seeds growing basil now on kitchen sink 🌺