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Basil 'Genovese'   

Ocimum basilicum

Genovese is a variety of Basil which is a member of the Ocimum family. Its botanical name is Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese'. Leaves usually appear in   La Salle Green and   Ao green colour.

‘Genovese’ is a very productive large-leaf type with a wonderful flavour. Basil is an aromatic, bushy annual plant with shiny green leaves and small white flowers. It is an essential herb to flavour tomato dishes and to make pesto sauce. Make extra pesto to freeze early in the season before the leaves become bitter. Always add basil at the end of the cooking time to maximise its flavour. 1

Genovese grows as an Annual and is a Herb. Being an Annual, it tends to grow best over the course of a single year. Genovese is known for growing with a forb-like habit to a height of approximately 45.0 cm (that's 1.46 feet in imperial).

Italy is believed to be where Genovese originates from.

Genovese Basil is normally fairly low maintenance and quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Basil 'Genovese' have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Basil 'Genovese'

  • Full Sun

    +
  • Medium

Pinch terminal shoots to encourage branching.
Harvest leaves before flowering occurs, or they will be bitter. Remove flower stalks to lengthen harvest time.

Plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Genovese is generally regarded as a tender plant, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside. USDA Hardiness Zone 4 to 10 are typically the USDA Hardiness Zones that are appropriate for this plant (although this can vary based on your microclimate). Genovese needs a loamy soil with a ph of 6.0 to 7.5 (weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil).

Growing Genovese from seed

Cover with finely sieved compost.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.12 inches (0.3 cm). For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 10°C / 50°F.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Genovese about 20 days before your last frost date.

Transplanting Genovese

Set out plants or sow seeds when all frost risk has passed.

Genovese is tender, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

By our calculations, you should look at planting out Genovese about 14 days after your last frost date.

Harvesting Genovese

This variety tends to mature and be ready for harvest in mid summer.

Basil 'Genovese' information

How long does Genovese take to grow?

These estimates for how long Basil 'Genovese' takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

When should I sow Genovese?

Folia's when to plant Basil 'Genovese' estimates are relative to your last frost date. Enter your frost dates and we'll calculate your sowing and planting dates for you!

Basil Genovese Etymology

The word basil means “king” in Greek – it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constantine and Helen discovered the Holy Cross.

Genovese folklore & trivia

Jewish folklore says that basil adds strength while fasting.

Other Names for Basil 'Genovese'

Genovese

Footnotes

fn1 Seed packet from Green Harvest

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