Organic 'Grand Vert' Basil - gift with purchase
Organic 'Grand Vert' basil (Ocimum basilicum), offered by the seed company WH Perron
'Grand Vert' basil is an annual Genovese variety, prized for its large, broad, rounded, glossy green leaves and intense, perfectly balanced aroma. Highly valued for its bold and generous flavor , it is a favorite for making pesto, as well as for enhancing salads, sauces, Mediterranean dishes, and summer recipes. Its compact, leafy habit makes it as pleasant to grow as it is to harvest.
Easy to incorporate into the vegetable garden, in containers, or on the balcony, this basil is productive, aromatic, and rewarding when grown in warm conditions. With proper care, it offers an abundant and continuous harvest throughout the summer, with consistently tender and fragrant leaves.
Latin name: Ocimum basilicum
Maturity: Annual
Type: Genovese Basil
Plant height: 20 to 30 cm
Spread: 25 to 30 cm
Formulation: Untreated
Quantity per packet: Approximately 100 seeds
Uses: Pesto, fresh cooking, growing in pots or in the garden
Companion plants: Ground cherry, okra, hot pepper, bell pepper, tomato
Farming method
For indoor sowing, sow from March onwards without covering the seeds, as they need light to germinate. Maintain a temperature around 21°C (70°F ); the use of a heat mat and artificial lighting is recommended, as basil is susceptible to damping-off. Outdoors, sow or transplant only when all risk of frost has passed . Plant in a warm, sunny, and sheltered location, in rich, well-drained soil that remains moist.
Growing tips
Basil loves warmth and needs regular watering to thrive. Once the plant reaches about 15 cm (6 inches), pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage branching and increase leaf production. Removing flower buds helps prolong the harvest and preserve the full aromatic intensity of the leaves. When growing in containers, use a pot at least 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter to ensure good growth.
Harvesting and uses
Harvest the outer leaves first, as needed, to encourage continuous growth. The leaves can be used fresh, frozen, or dried ; July and August are ideal months for stocking up. Aromatic, bountiful, and easy to grow , 'Grand Vert' basil is a must-have for the garden and summer cooking.
