Name: Organic 'Genovese' basil
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Bushy organic 'Genovese' basil plant covered with large smooth glossy dark-green leaves, growing in warm sunlight in a culinary herb garden ready for a fresh harvest. The image highlights the soft texture, delicate veins, generous leaf size, and vigorous branching habit that make this classic cultivar especially popular for pesto.

Annual large-leaved aromatic Genovese basil Lamiaceae

Organic culinary herb seeds

Biologiquement vôtre

Ocimum basilicum

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameGenovese basil

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusOcimum

Speciesbasilicum

CultivarGenovese

TypeAnnual large-leaved aromatic Genovese basil

Botanical nameOcimum basilicum

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 400 seeds

Organic 'Genovese' basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a frost-tender annual cultivar celebrated for large tender dark-green leaves and a powerful classic aroma. Its sweet peppery lightly anise-like flavour, with a hint of clove, makes it a favourite for traditional pesto, bruschetta, tomato sauces, pasta, salads, and fresh garnishes. Broad leaves are quick to harvest, while repeated pinching encourages a bushy shape and several cuttings throughout warm weather. This organic basil suits vegetable gardens, edible borders, raised beds, and sunny containers near the kitchen. Allowed to bloom selectively, its white flower spikes also add delicate interest and welcome visiting pollinating insects.

Start seed indoors four to six weeks before transplanting, or sow outdoors only after frost risk when soil is thoroughly warm. Barely cover seed, keep the mix evenly moist without saturation, and provide intense light immediately after emergence. Acclimate seedlings gradually, then place them in sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 20 to 30 cm apart for airflow. Water at soil level whenever the surface begins drying. Pinch each stem immediately above a pair of leaves to encourage new branches and delay flowering. Avoid rushing plants into cold soil because low temperatures interrupt growth and may damage tender foliage.

Harvest tender tips regularly with clean scissors, ideally in the morning after dew dries. Remove no more than one-third of the foliage at once, then cool leaves promptly. Remove flower buds when leaf production is the priority, or allow several white spikes to open for bees and seed harvest. Add fresh leaves near the end of cooking to preserve aroma. Freeze surplus in small portions; drying is possible but changes the flavour. Move containers inside before cold nights or finish harvesting before the first frost. Wash leaves immediately before use and discard tissue that is slimy, mouldy, or heavily damaged.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun; light shade during extreme heat
Life cycle: Frost-tender annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Barely cover, approximately 3 mm (1/8 in)

Spacing / density

Space approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) apart

Germination temperature

Approximately 18 to 24 °C (65 to 75 °F)

Germination time

Approximately 5 to 10 days

Sowing period

Indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; outdoors after frost in warm soil

Propagation

Seed; stem cuttings possible from a healthy plant

Growing method

Growing basil from seed: 'Genovese' basil. Sow indoors approximately four to six weeks before last frost in a clean light mix. Keep the cultivar label with the tray and handle indoor seedlings by their leaves rather than their stems. Place 'Genovese' before late-season crowding develops, keeping its mature habit in mind: bushy and branching when pinched. Use fertile, freely drained soil and leave enough access for repeated clean harvests. At final planting, follow this layout for 'Genovese': approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) apart. Mark positions before roots are placed. Harden the plant gradually, increasing outdoor exposure while protecting it from frost and drying wind. As the planting matures, use the expected harvest form—branched stems carrying aromatic leaves and flower spikes—to guide support, inspection, and careful picking. Water immediately after planting, then let the upper soil begin drying before the next thorough irrigation. Give the crop full sun; light shade during extreme heat, and keep water from collecting around the crown or container base. Inspect leaf undersides and shoot tips before treating, especially when plants have been under cover. Cut above a healthy leaf pair before flowering dominates when continued leafy harvest is the goal. Harvest this herb with clean scissors once leaves are dry, taking only enough growth for the plant to recover. Shade the cut stems promptly, and protect the remaining plant before frost only when useful light and warmth can be maintained.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Moisture

Evenly moist soil with good airflow

Minimum temperature

10 °C (50 °F)

Care level

Easy to moderate

Watering

Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, moistening the full root zone instead of giving frequent shallow amounts. Keep the seed-starting mix evenly moist during germination without saturation. Containers dry more quickly and may need daily checking in hot weather. Water in the morning when possible so any splashed foliage dries promptly. Steady moisture reduces stress, wilting, and premature flowering, while standing water encourages root problems.

Soil type

This basil prefers fertile loose well-drained soil that holds even moisture without remaining waterlogged. Work mature compost into the bed before planting and avoid cold heavy compacted ground. A pH near 6.0 to 7.5 is suitable. In containers, use high-quality vegetable potting mix and a pot with open drainage holes. A light mulch applied after the soil warms helps conserve moisture, limits weeds, and reduces soil splashing onto tender leaves.

Fertilization

Before planting, mix a moderate amount of mature compost into the soil. Light balanced feeding is generally enough in fertile ground. In containers, use diluted vegetable or herb fertilizer according to its label, especially after several harvests. Avoid excessive nitrogen because it can create overly soft growth, reduce flavour intensity, and unbalance the plant. Watch leaf colour and vigour before feeding, then water after application to distribute nutrients through the root zone.

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for 'Genovese' basil. For the first sowing of 'Genovese' basil, use this crop-specific timing as a guide and adjust it to the garden: indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; outdoors after frost in warm soil. Sow and barely cover with approximately 3 mm of mix and allow 5 to 10 days for emergence at approximately 18 to 24 °C (65 to 75 °F), then move seedlings promptly into strong light as soon as they appear. After emergence, give seedlings bright light and gentle airflow, thinning crowded growth before stems stretch or crowns remain damp. Use the stated exposure and freely drained soil, adding mature compost modestly rather than forcing soft growth. Water from actual root-zone moisture: young plants need consistency, while established roots should not remain saturated. 'Genovese' basil container guidance: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in). Set the pot where runoff can escape and light is adequate. Begin light tip harvests only after vigorous growth is established, always leaving enough clean foliage for recovery. Follow this harvest guidance: leaves and tender tips throughout warm weather, before frost. Gather stems in the cool part of the day with clean scissors. Pinch or cut flower stems according to the desired harvest: delay bloom for leaves, or retain selected usable flowers. Before frost or winter dormancy, take the final sound harvest, then remove damaged material and reduce watering as growth slows. For the next season, start a fresh succession rather than relying on tired annual stems.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)

Growing 'Genovese' basil in containers. For 'Genovese', choose a container matching this guide: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in). Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Sow or transplant 'Genovese' without burying its crown, then label the pot clearly. Match the planting to full sun; light shade during extreme heat and observe the actual hours of unobstructed light at the site. Water as the upper mix begins drying, adjusting frequency to heat, wind, and the size of the mature plant. Keep approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) apart around the plant, especially where neighbouring foliage could shade or trap moisture. Rotate the pot for balanced growth and inspect leaf undersides before moving it indoors. This herb develops the expected harvest form: branched stems carrying aromatic leaves and flower spikes. Use visible changes in the crop rather than the calendar alone to judge harvest. Keep harvested stems shaded and clean cutting tools between plants. The crop has a habit described as bushy and branching when pinched; use this to guide positioning or selective thinning without forcing a cramped plant. Pinch the planting above a leaf pair to encourage branching, harvesting small amounts while preserving enough usable growth for regrowth. As growth slows, reduce watering and isolate the pot before any temporary move indoors. As growth slows, reduce watering and avoid trying to force the plant with heavy fertilizer. Use a bright, suitable protected location only for a realistic harvest extension, and isolate the pot from other plants until pests are ruled out.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in), depending on type and growing conditions

Width / spread

Approximately 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14 in)

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Medium to dark green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Fast in warm weather

Growth habit

Bushy and branching when pinched

Fragrance

Sweet, peppery, lightly anise-like, and clove-like

Edible parts

Leaves, tender stems, and flowers

Bloom period

Spikes of small white flowers appear at stem tips as plants mature, experience stress, or are no longer pinched. To maximize tender leaf harvest, remove flower buds by cutting just above a pair of leaves. You may allow several stems to bloom because flowers are edible, decorate salads and drinks, attract pollinators, and produce seed. Heavy flowering gradually makes stems woodier and reduces the supply of new leaves, so choose deliberately between leaf production and seed collection.

Fruiting

After pollination, flower spikes develop small dark-brown to black seeds inside dry calyces. To save seed, allow several stems on healthy plants to mature fully until the spikes turn brown. Cut them over a paper bag before seeds scatter, then finish drying away from moisture. Rub the spikes gently, remove debris, and store only completely dry seed in a labelled container kept cool and dark. Seed formation ends leaf production on those stems, so reserve only a few for this purpose.

Harvest

Leaves and tender tips throughout warm weather, before frost

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Grow basil near tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, or other warm-season vegetables that share a preference for sun, fertile soil, and regular moisture. This grouping simplifies care and keeps leaves convenient for kitchen harvests. Maintain approximately 20 to 30 cm around each basil plant to preserve airflow. Low flowers such as sweet alyssum or calendula may edge the bed without shading foliage. Companion planting does not replace proper spacing, weeding, soil-level watering, or disease monitoring. Pinch basil regularly so it remains branched instead of leaning over neighbouring seedlings.

Plants to avoid

Common Rue, Sage

Garden use

'Genovese' basil in the vegetable garden. Plant this tender herb where it receives warmth, sun, and easy access for frequent pinching. Sow indoors before the frost-free date or direct-sow only after the soil has warmed; cold wet conditions slow basil and may damage seedlings. Space plants so air moves between leaves, and use a container with open drainage if garden soil stays heavy. Water at the base when the upper soil begins to dry, aiming for steady growth without constantly wet foliage or waterlogged roots. Pinch the central tips above a leaf pair once plants are established to encourage branching. Harvest in the morning after dew dries, taking several stem tips rather than stripping one plant bare. Remove flower spikes if leaf production is the goal, or allow selected blooms for pollinators and seed. Keep basil away from cold wind and move containers under shelter when nights turn cool. Inspect tender growth for aphids and leaves for chewing insects. Discard blackened or diseased tissue and clean scissors between affected plants. For a continuous kitchen supply, sow a second small batch rather than letting one old plant carry the entire season. Frost ends outdoor production, so harvest usable leaves before the first damaging cold.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

'Genovese' basil in the kitchen. Genovese basil pesto — Rinse 50 g sound basil leaves briefly and dry them very well. In a food processor, pulse 40 g toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds with one small garlic clove and 40 g grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Add the basil and pulse while pouring in 80–100 mL olive oil, stopping before the mixture becomes warm and dull. Stir in 10 mL lemon juice, then season with black pepper and salt to taste. Toss the pesto immediately with hot pasta and a spoonful of pasta water, spread it on bread, or stir it into beans after cooking. For a brighter green result, keep the leaves dry, process in short bursts, and avoid heating the sauce. Transfer leftovers to a clean covered container, smooth the surface, and refrigerate promptly. This fresh pesto is not shelf-stable and should not be canned by improvisation. Discard blackened, slimy, or mouldy leaves before starting, and keep washed herbs away from soil-covered produce and raw animal foods.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

When several spikes are allowed to bloom, their small white flowers offer nectar and pollen to bees, bumblebees, and other visiting insects. To balance harvest with biodiversity, let only part of the plant flower while continuing to pinch other stems. Avoid treatments during bloom and place containers or garden plants where insects can reach them easily.

Frequently asked questions

When should Genovese basil be sown in your region?

Sow Genovese basil indoors four to six weeks before your local last frost, or direct-sow after frost once the soil is warm. Barely cover the seed, using about 3 mm (⅛ in) of mix. At approximately 18 to 24 °C (65 to 75 °F), germination normally takes 5 to 10 days. Keep the surface evenly moist without burying seedlings through heavy watering. Give indoor plants bright light and pinch only after they are established. Harden transplants gradually, then wait for genuinely warm nights before setting this annual outdoors; basil is sensitive to cold. Allow room for a bushy plant approximately 30 to 60 cm tall and 25 to 35 cm wide. A 20 to 30 cm pot is suitable when drainage is reliable. Harvest leaves and tender stems before cold damage.

How should Genovese basil be pinched and harvested?

To keep Genovese basil branching, choose a stem with at least several pairs of leaves and remove its tip immediately above a node. That cut leaves two axillary buds positioned to become new shoots. Repeat the operation on the tallest stems at different times, creating a rounded plant rather than stripping every growing point in one session. Harvest tender tops once the foliage is dry, using clean scissors, and leave enough mature leaf area for rapid recovery. If pesto leaves are the goal, pinch emerging flower spikes before they open. If pollinators or seed are wanted, designate one or two stems for bloom and continue harvesting the others. Avoid taking more than roughly one-third of the plant at once. Disinfect tools after diseased tissue, and do not use leaves showing mould, rot, or severe pest injury.

Can Genovese basil be grown in a container?

Genovese basil grows well in a 20 to 30 cm pot with free drainage. Use an airy mix, keep one established plant or a sensibly spaced group rather than crowding the surface, and place the container outdoors only after frost danger has passed. Basil prefers warm conditions. Water thoroughly, let excess escape, and check more frequently in heat because the leafy plant can dry quickly. Pinch growing tips above a leaf pair to encourage the bushy, branching habit and harvest leaves and tender stems throughout warm weather. A plant may reach 30 to 60 cm tall and 25 to 35 cm wide, so choose a stable vessel. Remove flower spikes when leaf production is the priority, or retain some flowers for culinary use. Bring the harvest in before frost, which ends this annual crop.

Do Genovese basil flowers attract pollinators?

Yes. Genovese basil's small flower spikes offer nectar to bees and other visiting insects during warm weather. To combine that ecological role with a kitchen harvest, allow a few selected stems to flower while continuing to pinch neighbouring stems for leaves. Place the plant in a sunny, accessible area where people will not brush against the blooms, and water at soil level so flowers remain open and dry during visiting hours. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides, especially while blossoms are present. Flowering changes the plant's priorities: a blooming shoot usually produces fewer tender new leaves, so use several stems or plants if both goals matter. Observe visitors without handling them, and remove only diseased or spent material. The flowers can attract pollinators, but no particular bee or insect species can be guaranteed at a given garden.

How should leaves be preserved and seed harvested?

For maximum aroma, preserve Genovese leaves soon after harvest. Freeze clean, dry leaves in small recipe-sized portions, or dry them loosely in shade where air moves freely; thick tied bundles can trap moisture. Transfer leaves to an airtight container only after they crumble readily. Seed requires a different schedule. Leave a few vigorous flower spikes untouched until their bracts brown, then clip them into a paper bag before seeds scatter. Let the spikes finish drying, rub them gently, and separate seed from the lighter debris. Label the lot 'Genovese' with the harvest year and store it cool, dark, and dry. Check the container several days later for fogging or softness, returning the seed to open-air drying if necessary. Reject mouldy material and keep lots from different basil types clearly separated.