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
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
72 reviews
- Susanne W.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars10/15/26Still growing beautifully
It's been growing for months in my garden, next to my onions, mustard greens and radishes. It's not bolted but I keep pinching the tops off. I love the smell of basil and it's very healthy
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests10/16/26Hey Susanne,
That's awesome to hear! We're so glad your Italian Genovese Basil Seeds are thriving in your garden and doing so well alongside your other plants. Sounds like you've got a beautiful setup going! We love that you're enjoying the amazing smell of basil - that's one of the best parts of growing it. Thanks so much for being part of our growing community and for sharing your experience.
Keep on growing 🌻
- Jennifer A.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars10/14/26perfect basil
I've been tempted in the past to grow all sorts of unique varieties, but I found anytime I needed basil , I always chose this one. So no longer. This is my go to basil going forward. Great for pesto.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests10/16/26Hey Jennifer,
That's awesome to hear! We're so glad you've found your go-to basil and that it's been such a reliable choice for your pesto. There's something special about finding that one variety that just works perfectly for what you need. Thanks so much for being part of our growing community and for sharing your experience. Keep on growing 🌻
- Linda F.WA, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 stars9/30/26Basil
As with the chamomile, I planted these rather late. About half germinated but when they got about 4 inches tall, I potted them up and will try growing them on my windowsill.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised BedBIBotanical Interests10/6/26Hey Linda
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 🌻️
- Laura DRated 5 out of 5 stars9/29/265 Stars
Love their seeds
- Jennifer K.Rated 5 out of 5 stars9/11/26Great germination and great plant !
Taste and smells amazing . We made lots of pesto and it’s gone from spring to fall and still going strong! Planting double next season .
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests9/13/26Hey Jennifer,
We're so happy to hear that your Italian Genovese Basil Seeds turned out amazing! The fact that you've been making pesto all the way from spring to fall and the plants are still going strong is seriously impressive - that's exactly the kind of performance we love to see! And we're thrilled that the taste and smell knocked it out of the park for you. Thanks so much for being part of the growing community, and we can't wait to hear how doubling your planting goes next season! Keep on growing 🌻