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Non-organic seeds, Untreated seeds, coated seeds
Lamiaceae
Herbs seeds
Untreated ‘Piedmont’ Genovese basil
Ocimum basilicum
Product code : 67-1129-01N
Piedmont Genovese basil is a 2025 All-America Selections winner forming a dense, bushy annual plant approximately 60 cm high and wide. Its heady aroma, classic basil flavour, and very good downy mildew tolerance support several additional weeks of harvest. W.H. Perron packet 67-1129-01N contains approximately 100 untreated seeds; it is not advertised as organic. Sow indoors in March without covering at approximately 21°C, or direct-sow after all frost risk has passed. Grow in full sun and rich, drained soil that remains cool, spacing plants 25 to 30 cm apart. Pinch at 15 cm for branching and remove flower buds to extend leaf production.
- Quantity
- Approximately 100 seeds per packet
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common nameUntreated ‘Piedmont’ Genovese basil
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusOcimum
Speciesbasilicum
CultivarPiedmont
TypeNon-organic seeds, Untreated seeds, coated seeds
Botanical nameOcimum basilicum
Untreated ‘Piedmont’ Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum) brings the flavours associated with Italy’s Piedmont region into the garden. This vigorous annual cultivar forms dense, bushy plants approximately 60 cm high and wide, with a heady aroma and classic basil flavour. Very good tolerance to downy mildew supports healthier plants and several additional weeks of harvest. Piedmont won the 2025 All-America Selections award. Packet 67-1129-01N contains approximately 100 untreated seeds. It is not advertised as organic and carries no official F1 hybrid designation on the W.H. Perron page or in the 2026 catalogue. Its broad habit provides a substantial leafy presence in edible beds and containers.
Sow indoors in March without covering the seeds because they benefit from light. Use porous, well-drained sowing mix, artificial light, and a heat mat when needed; maintain approximately 21°C to limit damping-off problems. Direct-sow in the garden only after every risk of frost has passed. Set plants in full sun and rich, well-drained soil that remains cool. Space plants 25 to 30 cm apart within rows and leave 30 cm between rows. For containers, choose at least 25 cm diameter. Protect the planting from wind and water regularly at soil level during warm periods. Avoid keeping the sowing mix saturated while seedlings are small.
When plants reach approximately 15 cm, pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Remove flower buds when the goal is to extend production of tender leaves. Harvest outer leaves first, then continue as needed with clean tools. July and August are especially suitable for harvests intended for freezing; leaves may also be dried, used fresh in pesto, sauces, and salads, or added after cooking to preserve aroma. W.H. Perron lists ground cherry, okra, hot pepper, sweet pepper, and tomato as companions, and rue as a rival plant. Refrigerate fresh stems and use them promptly. Record harvest dates to observe the additional production supported by downy mildew tolerance.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
1 cm
Spacing / density
Thin to 8 cm; space rows 30 to 40 cm apart
Germination temperature
10 to 25°C
Germination time
5 to 12 days depending on temperature and moisture
Sowing period
Direct sow from May to early July; mid-June for a fall harvest
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Loosen the garden soil to at least 20 to 25 cm and remove stones, hard clods, and debris that could distort the leaves and stems. Work in mature compost or thoroughly aged manure without overloading the bed with nitrogen. Beginning in May, make shallow furrows in full sun and place seeds 1 cm deep. Keep rows 30 to 40 cm apart. Maintain surface moisture until emergence, generally within one to two weeks depending on temperature. basil “seeds” are commonly seed clusters that can produce more than one seedling, so thin carefully once the first true leaves appear, leaving one plant every 8 cm. Snip extras at soil level to avoid disturbing neighbouring leaves and stems. Water regularly throughout leaf development, especially when rainfall is limited. A light mulch applied after thinning helps stabilize moisture and suppress weeds. For an extended harvest, repeat a small sowing every two weeks until early July. Pull leaves and stems at half size for exceptional tenderness or allow them to reach the preferred diameter, but do not leave them until they become oversized and woody. If gaps remain after emergence, resow only the empty spaces instead of making the entire row too dense.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
6.0 or higher
Minimum temperature
Tolerates cool temperatures; protect from hard frost
Care level
Easy
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist from sowing through harvest without saturating it. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry, and monitor more often in containers or hot weather. A long dry spell followed by heavy rain may result in hard, woody, or less colourful leaves and stems; consistency matters more than occasional very heavy watering. Apply water to the soil rather than the foliage, and check moisture a few centimetres below the surface before watering again.
Soil type
Piedmont prefers rich, loose, deep, well-prepared soil. Incorporate mature compost before sowing to support continued production of leaves and stems. Drainage should be effective while retaining consistent moisture because basil tolerates heat but suffers during drought. Avoid compacted ground and standing water. A layer of mulch after thinning helps maintain moisture and limit weeds. Water deeply at the base, preferably in the morning, without repeatedly wetting foliage or saturating the root zone.
Fertilization
Before sowing, incorporate a moderate layer of mature compost or fully decomposed manure. Already fertile soil needs little additional fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeding, which encourages abundant leaves at the expense of leaves and stems. If growth becomes pale, use a balanced vegetable fertilizer sparingly, then water to distribute the nutrients through the leaf zone. Never apply fresh manure immediately before sowing, because overly aggressive fertility may reduce leaf quality and interfere with even leaf formation. overall Record the date and amount of every application so vigorous foliage is supported without unnecessary excess.
Moisture
Consistent moisture without standing water
Seasonal care
In spring, wait until the soil can be worked, then loosen it, remove stones, and incorporate mature compost. Sow beginning in May and keep furrows moist until emergence. Thin promptly to 8 cm once true leaves appear; clean, healthy thinnings may be used as young greens. Weed by hand or with a shallow hoe so developing leaves and stems are not injured. In summer, check moisture several times each week, especially in sandy soils and containers. Make succession sowings every two weeks until early July to avoid one large harvest. Monitor foliage and remove badly damaged leaves while retaining enough leaf area to feed the leaves and stems. Harvest progressively as basil reach the desired size. In fall, lift the final leaves and stems before a deep freeze; trim tops while leaving a short stem if the leaves and stems will be stored, then keep clean, uninjured basil in cool conditions. During winter, empty and clean containers, record which colours were preferred, and plan crop rotation. Avoid planting basil or closely related crops in exactly the same spot immediately the following season. Inspect plants regularly after rainy periods and keep rows open to airflow through the recommended spacing. Discard diseased debris instead of composting it. Once leaves and stems are in storage, check them periodically and remove any that soften so the remainder of the harvest keeps well. throughout storage
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
30 L or larger; minimum depth of 25 to 30 cm
Choose a container at least 25 to 30 cm deep and wide enough to space plants 8 cm apart, with several drainage holes. A planter holding 30 L or more provides a more worthwhile harvest than a small pot. Fill it with loose vegetable potting cultivar enriched with compost but not excessive high-nitrogen fertilizer. Sow 1 cm deep, moisten gently, and place the container in full sun. After emergence, thin by cutting extra seedlings at the growing medium surface. Maintain even spacing so leaves and stems remain leafy. Containers dry quickly, so check moisture daily in hot weather and water until excess drains, never leaving the saucer full. A thin mulch reduces moisture swings. To extend harvest, reserve part of the planter for a second sowing two weeks later. Rotate the container if light is uneven. Harvest before leaves and stems press against the walls or become woody. At season’s end, remove debris, wash the pot, and refresh part of the growing medium before planting a different crop. Avoid placing the pot against a wall that stores excessive heat. During a heat wave, light protection through the hottest part of the afternoon may reduce stress, but restore full sun afterward. If the growing medium settles, add more aleafy the plants without burying the centres of the plants ramifiés.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
60 cm (23.6 in)
Width / spread
60 cm (23.6 in)
Flower color
Greenish
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
plant ramifié of broad leaves with coloured stems
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Compact plant ramifié above a leafy leaf
Bloom period
Harvest before bolting; flowering normally occurs in the second year after a cold period. basil are botanically biennial but are grown as annuals for their leaves and stems and leaves. Prolonged exposure to cold can sometimes encourage premature bolting. Remove plants that develop a flower stalk, because their leaves and stems quickly lose tenderness and culinary quality once reproductive growth begins. and flavour at harvest time
Days to maturity
Annual; progressive leaf harvest
Harvest
Aromatic outer leaves, then branched shoots; July and August preferred for freezing
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Garlic and cabbage according to W.H. Perron. Use this guidance when arranging rows while preserving enough space and sun for every crop. Companion planting does not replace rotation, well-prepared soil, or regular observation. Prevent tall vegetables from shading young basil or several leaf systems from crowding a narrow area. Keep easy access for thinning, watering, airflow, and inspection of every developing leaf. Rotate vegetable families between seasons, remove diseased debris promptly, and keep the basil row free of weeds that compete for moisture. Keep all companion plants far enough away that basil leaves and stems still receive full light, steady moisture, and room for harvest.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
leaves and stems and leaves
Prepare a Piedmont basil pesto. Gently rinse two cups healthy leaves, dry completely, then place in a food processor with one small garlic clove, three tablespoons sunflower seeds or nuts, and four tablespoons grated cheese. Pulse, then gradually add approximately 80 ml oil until the preferred texture is reached. Add one teaspoon lemon juice, pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Taste before adjusting seasoning. Serve immediately with pasta, vegetables, or bread, or refrigerate in a clean closed container. For a dairy-free version, replace cheese with nutritional yeast. Keep pesto cold, use a clean spoon, consume promptly, and do not leave it at room temperature. Freeze surplus in small dated portions to preserve part of the summer aroma and use the oldest portions first. Label every portion with the Piedmont name and preparation date before freezing. Thaw only the amount needed, keep the remainder frozen, and never refreeze pesto that has remained warm for an extended period.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should this basil cultivar be sown in Canada?
Direct-sow beginning in May once the soil can be worked, and continue through early July. W.H. Perron also suggests a mid-June sowing for a fall harvest. To prevent all leaves and stems from maturing at once, sow a short row every two weeks. Place seeds 1 cm deep and keep the soil moist until emergence. basil appreciate cool conditions and uninterrupted growth. Protect very early seedlings from hard frost and do not wait for peak summer heat to begin, since drought and large moisture swings can toughen the leaves and stems. A light mulch after thinning helps maintain the even conditions that produce the best texture.
How many seeds are in the packet, and are they untreated?
W.H. Perron packet 67-1129-01N contains approximately 100 seeds. The official formulation is untreated, and Norseco also confirms the untreated 100-seed packet. No coating or other treatment is stated, and the product is not advertised as organic. Piedmont is an annual Genovese basil and a 2025 All-America Selections winner; this distinction describes the variety, not a seed treatment. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry place until sowing, then retain its label with your growing notes. Always verify the code and count printed on the package received because other W.H. Perron basil products may contain a different quantity or use another formulation. Photographing the original label provides useful traceability.
Why can several seedlings emerge from one spot?
What is commonly called one basil seed is often a seed cluster that may contain more than one embryo. It is therefore normal to see two or more seedlings emerge very close together. Wait until the first true leaves appear, then thin to keep the strongest plant every 8 cm. Snip the others at soil level instead of pulling sharply, which could disturb the leaf being retained. Removed young greens may be eaten if they are healthy and clean. Proper thinning reduces competition for water, light, and nutrients and gives each basil enough room to form a leafy, even leaf rather than remaining small or becoming misshapen.
How can hard or woody leaves and stems be prevented?
Encourage fast, uninterrupted growth. Prepare light, loose, stone-free soil and maintain consistent moisture from sowing until harvest. A long drought followed by heavy rain stresses the crop and may produce tougher leaves and stems with poorer colour. Water deeply when the surface dries and apply a light mulch after thinning. Keep the recommended 8 cm spacing to reduce competition. Harvest when leaves and stems reach the preferred diameter rather than allowing them to become oversized. basil are especially tender at about half their mature size. Also avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes abundant foliage without improving leaf quality. Regular care is more effective than trying to correct severe dryness with one very heavy watering.
Can this cultivar be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a planter at least 25 to 30 cm deep and preferably holding 30 L or more, with several drainage holes. Fill it with loose vegetable potting cultivar enriched with compost. Sow 1 cm deep, place the container in full sun, and thin seedlings to 8 cm apart. Because potting cultivar dries faster than garden soil, check moisture daily during hot weather. Water until excess drains, then empty the saucer. A thin mulch slows evaporation. Harvest progressively to release space for neighbouring leaves and stems, and avoid shallow pots that restrict leafy leaf development. A large container also makes it easier to stagger two sowings and extend the harvest.
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