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: 55 Total 4 star reviews: 3 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?
66 reviews
- Jennifer B. S.OR, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/5/26Excellent germination!
I’m amazed by the germination rate of this basil. I always sprinkle my seeds fairly heavily over my 6 cell epic tray because I’m used to having sparse germination - I swear EVERY seed I used must have come up because I ended up with 48 plants when I transplanted them into their own individual cells in 6 packs! I’m definitely giving plants to friends this year!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised Bed - Marion B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/4/26Great seeds- Genovese basil
I have two small hydroponic gardens and keep the
Genovese growing year round! It is lust and ready to pick whenever I need a fresh bunch! Quality seeds and I always keep a seed pack available!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests8/4/26Hey Marion,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the Italian Genovese Basil Seeds! There's nothing better than having fresh basil available year round in your hydroponic gardens - that's the dream! We love that these seeds are delivering quality results for you and that you keep them stocked and ready to go. Thanks for sharing your growing success with us and for being such a loyal gardener! Keep on growing 🌻
- Lori P.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars7/29/26Great seeds
High germination rate. Easy to transplant successfully
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests7/31/26Hey Lori,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the Italian Genovese Basil Seeds! A high germination rate and successful transplants are exactly what we love to see - that's the foundation for a thriving basil garden! Thanks for sharing your growing success with us and for being such a great gardener! Keep on growing 🌻
- sandra u.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/27/26Bountiful Basil!
This Italian Genovese basil is easy to grow and tastes great. I will have a never ending
supply and will probably dry some for the winter months.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests7/28/26Hey Sandra,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the Italian Genovese Basil Seeds! There's nothing better than basil that's easy to grow and tastes amazing - that's exactly what we love to hear! Your plan to dry some for the winter months is such a smart way to enjoy your harvest year-round! Thanks for sharing your Italian Genovese Basil growing success with us! Keep on growing 🌻
- Pamela B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/22/26Beautiful
The leaves are perfect and getting bigger by the day. Smells so good when I water it.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests7/23/26Hey Pamela,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the Italian Genovese Basil Seeds! There's something so magical about watching those perfect leaves grow bigger each day - and that amazing aroma when you water them is just the best! It sounds like your basil is thriving and getting ready to provide you with some seriously delicious fresh herbs! There's nothing better than homegrown Genovese basil for all your cooking adventures! Thanks for sharing your Italian Genovese Basil growing success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️