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Italian Genovese Basil Seeds

Italian Genovese Basil Seeds

SKU:7750

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
43

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.

Regular price $5.99
Regular price Sale price $5.99
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~6.0 g

(~2,770 seeds)

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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info
  • Learn More

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

Non GMO Project

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.

4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
Based on 43 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 35 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 5
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43 reviews
  • Ellen T.
    Verified Reviewer
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    7/23/25
    Didn’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? Beginner
    BI Profile picture for Botanical Interests
    Botanical Interests
    7/23/25

    Hey 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 Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2/5/25
    5 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 Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/31/25
    5 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 Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/31/25
    5 Stars

    This was a gift. The recipient was thrilled!

  • Ondrea L.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    12/21/24
    5 Stars

    Great producing seeds growing basil now on kitchen sink 🌺