Les jardins de l'écoumène

Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’

Sweet basil

The organic basil ‘Genovese' is one of the great stars of the aromatic vegetable garden, both for its enchanting fragrance and its natural elegance in the garden. With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest. Grown as an annual in this climate, it appreciates warmth, sun and well-drained soil, which support vigorous growth and the full development of its aroma. In the ground as well as in a container, it is as decorative as it is useful, easily finding its place near the kitchen or in the heart of gourmet dishes. When left to bloom, it attracts bees and other pollinators, adding a beautiful ecological value to its already precious presence.
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Discover the plant

Common nameGenovese Basil
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusBasil
Speciesbasil
CultivarGenovese
TypeHerb
Botanical nameSweet basil
Reproducible seedsYes

Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’ — Genovese Basil. The organic basil ‘Genovese' is one of the great stars of the aromatic vegetable garden, both for its enchanting fragrance and its natural elegance in the garden. With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest. Grown as an annual in this climate, it appreciates warmth, sun and well-drained soil, which support vigorous growth and the full development of its aroma. In the ground as well as in a container, it is as decorative as it is useful, easily finding its place near the kitchen or in the heart of gourmet dishes.

Sowing herb seeds: March to May. The depth to be respected is 0.5 cm (0.2 in.). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the root ball before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage.

Its flexible and abundant wearing allows repeated harvests throughout the beautiful season, especially if the ends are regularly pinched. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth. A labelled border makes it easy to find the herb flavour you want for a meal. Keep more vigorous vegetables from shading young herb plants while they are becoming established. With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest.

In the garden

Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Annual

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

0.5 cm (0.2 in)

Germination temperature

20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F)

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

March to May

Propagation

From seed

Growing method

Recommended planting period: March to May. The depth to be respected is 0.5 cm (0.2 in.). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the root ball before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use. If you want to dry an herb harvest, spread it in a thin layer in a well-ventilated place protected from direct sunlight. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Watering

Keep a steady moisture around the roots, without soaking the soil. Check the soil with a finger before watering, and direct the water to the base of the plant to limit splashing onto leaves intended for harvest. For container-grown plants, always allow excess water to drain away and empty the saucer afterwards. Check young seedlings carefully, as their small, developing root systems leave them vulnerable to drying out. Adjust the amount of water you provide according to rainfall, wind and heat.

Soil type

Prepare well-drained soil for planting. Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the root ball before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage.

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and should take into account the nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suitable for the crop, following the recommended application rate. Avoid combining too many products, especially in a container where the roots have a limited volume of growing medium. Water as needed after applying nutrients, and observe foliage growth before deciding whether another fertilizer application is necessary.

Moisture

Keep the growing mix moist during germination, without standing water; then adjust to the crop

Seasonal care

With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest. Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the root ball before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use. If you want to dry an herb harvest, spread it in a thin layer in a well-ventilated place protected from direct sunlight. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once. Prepare clean, healthy leaves shortly before the meal when you are ready to use them. If you also want to enjoy the flowers, keep some stems intact. This lets you separate the area reserved for leaf harvests from the flowering area left for visiting insects. In the ground as well as in a container, it is as decorative as it is useful, easily finding its place near the kitchen or in the heart of gourmet dishes. Recommended planting period: March to May.

Container growing

Container growing

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, enough width for the plant’s spread and sufficient depth for its roots
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in.). An herb grown in a container is easy to move when you need to adjust its exposure to sunlight. The pot should provide air around the roots and allow excess water to drain away freely. Repeated harvesting is easier and cleaner when the foliage extends freely beyond the rim of the container. Turn the container occasionally if the light comes from one side only. Adjust watering to the needs of each species rather than treating every herb in the same planter in exactly the same way. In the ground as well as in a container, it is as decorative as it is useful, easily finding its place near the kitchen or in the heart of gourmet dishes. The organic basil ‘Genovese' is one of the great stars of the aromatic vegetable garden, both for its enchanting fragrance and its natural elegance in the garden. With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest. Grown as an annual in this climate, it appreciates warmth, sun and well-drained soil, which support vigorous growth and the full development of its aroma. When left to bloom, it attracts bees and other pollinators, adding a beautiful ecological value to its already precious presence.
Sachet de semences Basilic Genovese. Emballage blanc photographié de face sur un fond de bois brun. Une image du végétal occupe la partie centrale, sous le nom imprimé. De petits pictogrammes et un code-barres apparaissent au bas du sachet. La marque Écoumène figure dans la partie supérieure de cette présentation.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

60 cm (24 in.)

Width / spread

30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)

Foliage type

Seasonal foliage

Growth habit

Bushy, compact

Bloom period

The plant’s usual flowering season extends from July through September. When left to bloom, it attracts bees and other pollinators, adding a beautiful ecological value to its already precious presence. Choose between prolonging flowering and keeping seeds on a few stems. Deadheading is suitable for many annuals, while developing seed heads and dried flower clusters can also provide ornamental interest.

Fruiting

With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest. In the ground as well as in a container, it is as decorative as it is useful, easily finding its place near the kitchen or in the heart of gourmet dishes. Its flexible and abundant wearing allows repeated harvests throughout the beautiful season, especially if the ends are regularly pinched.

Harvest

70 days after sowing
Basilic Genovese. Grandes feuilles de basilic vert clair vues de près. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

In a mixed planting, you can reserve sections close to these plants: tomato, pepper, eggplant. The association is used here to organize space and crops. Allow for the height, light requirements and water needs of each plant, leaving enough room between the foliage. Keep a path clear for watering and harvesting, then remove finished crops to make room for the next planting. This arrangement makes maintenance easier without promising protection against garden pests. An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen.

Garden use

With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest. In the ground as well as in a container, it is as decorative as it is useful, easily finding its place near the kitchen or in the heart of gourmet dishes. Its flexible and abundant wearing allows repeated harvests throughout the beautiful season, especially if the ends are regularly pinched. Cultivating the basil ‘Genovese' means bringing into the garden a generous classic, fragrant and deeply linked to the pleasure of cooking with fresh herbs.

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Edible parts

Sheets
Recipe idea using Genovese Basil: herb sauce for four servings. Finely chop two tablespoons of clean and healthy leaves, then mix them with 150 ml of plain yogurt, 10 ml of lemon juice and 5 ml of olive oil. Season lightly with salt, then taste the mixture before deciding whether to add more. For a strongly flavoured herb, start with one teaspoon and gradually add more to taste. Serve with cooked potatoes, raw vegetables or vegetable patties. Add the herbs at the last moment to preserve their freshness. Prepare the ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cut to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, keep enough space in the dish to mix or cook evenly. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container and consume them within two days. For a two-person meal, simply divide all quantities by two.
Basilic Genovese. Grandes feuilles de basilic vert clair vues de près. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Genovese Basil from seed?
Recommended planting period: March to May. The depth to be respected is 0.5 cm (0.2 in.). Seedlings generally emerge within 7 to 14 days. For germination, keep the soil at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Label herbs when sowing so that you can distinguish species whose first leaves look alike. Transplant seedlings without crushing their crowns, and gradually give them more space under the grow lights. Wait until the roots fill the root ball before moving the plants into their final growing location. Allow a plant intended for repeated harvesting to become established before removing large amounts of foliage.
Can I grow Genovese Basil in a container?
Choose a location in full sun. Reserve this spread around the plant: 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in.). An herb grown in a container is easy to move when you need to adjust its exposure to sunlight. The pot should provide air around the roots and allow excess water to drain away freely. Repeated harvesting is easier and cleaner when the foliage extends freely beyond the rim of the container. Turn the container occasionally if the light comes from one side only. Adjust watering to the needs of each species rather than treating every herb in the same planter in exactly the same way. The organic basil ‘Genovese' is one of the great stars of the aromatic vegetable garden, both for its enchanting fragrance and its natural elegance in the garden.
When can I harvest Genovese Basil?
With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest. In the ground as well as in a container, it is as decorative as it is useful, easily finding its place near the kitchen or in the heart of gourmet dishes. Its flexible and abundant wearing allows repeated harvests throughout the beautiful season, especially if the ends are regularly pinched. Cultivating the basil ‘Genovese' means bringing into the garden a generous classic, fragrant and deeply linked to the pleasure of cooking with fresh herbs. For herbs grown for their leaves, take several small harvests rather than cutting away all the plant’s leafy growth at once.
What makes Genovese Basil distinctive in the garden?
The organic basil ‘Genovese' is one of the great stars of the aromatic vegetable garden, both for its enchanting fragrance and its natural elegance in the garden. With its large, green, glossy leaves, it quickly forms a generous, bushy tuft that almost spontaneously invites you to harvest. Grown as an annual in this climate, it appreciates warmth, sun and well-drained soil, which support vigorous growth and the full development of its aroma. In the ground as well as in a container, it is as decorative as it is useful, easily finding its place near the kitchen or in the heart of gourmet dishes. When left to bloom, it attracts bees and other pollinators, adding a beautiful ecological value to its already precious presence.
How do I arrange a planting of Genovese Basil?
An herb garden is more convenient when it is close to a path or the kitchen. Group species with similar moisture needs, leaving enough space around each clump for growth. A labelled border makes it easy to find the herb flavour you want for a meal. Keep more vigorous vegetables from shading young herb plants while they are becoming established. Harvest small stems or a few leaves at a time, leaving the plant enough vegetation to continue growing. A clean cut is better than tearing off a leaf with a piece of stem attached. Remove the dry parts and observe the formation of the flower buds according to the desired use.

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