Basil 'Genovese'

Basil 'Genovese' (Ocimum basilicum) – Submitted by Le Potager Ornemental de Catherine

Basil 'Genovese' is the traditional Italian variety , prized for its large, highly aromatic green leaves . Its intense fragrance and slightly sweet flavor make it an essential ingredient for pesto, salads, tomato sauces and Mediterranean dishes .

Its rapid and vigorous growth allows a continuous harvest throughout the summer. It can be grown both in the ground and in pots , offering abundant foliage and excellent productivity .

Characteristics of the variety

Type : Annual
Plant habit : Bushy
Plant height : 40-60 cm
Foliage : Soft green, large aromatic leaves
Flowering : Spikes of small white flowers
Flavor : Sweet and fragrant
Use : Pesto, salads, sauces, infusions
Tolerance : Good heat resistance
Quantity per sachet : ±250 seeds

?? Cultivation method

?? Exposure : Full sun
?? Sowing :
• Indoors at the end of April , then transplant after the last frost
?? Sowing depth : Sowing on the surface, without covering
?? Germination temperature : 20-25°C
? Germination time : 7 to 14 days
?? Spacing : 25-30 cm between plants
?? Watering : Regular, without excess, on well-drained and rich soil

To prolong production, pinch the stems regularly to prevent them from going to seed and encourage foliage development .

Use and special features

?? The classic basil of pesto
Its sweet and intense flavor is ideal for Mediterranean sauces and dishes .

?? Easy to grow in open ground or in pots
Suitable for beginner gardeners and small spaces , with fast and abundant growth .

?? Extended and continuous harvest
Regular cutting stimulates generous production until the first frosts .