Basil 'Genovese'

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. Genovese needs a loamy, sandy and silty soil with a ph of 6.0 to 7.5 (weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil).

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.

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.

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

Non-patented (Baker Creek carries only non-patented seeds³)

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 named after the city of Genoa Italy.²

Jewish folklore says that basil adds strength while fasting.

Genovese

¹ Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds-Basil Genovese

² Does the real pesto need protection?

³ Baker Creek Seed Company statement on their seeds