Piedmont Basil
description
'Piedmont' Basil (Ocimum basilicum), offered by the seed company WH Perron
'Piedmont' basil is a vigorous and generous annual variety of the Genovese type , inspired by the great culinary traditions of Piedmont, Italy. It forms dense, bushy, and well-balanced plants, offering an intense and heady aroma as well as a classic basil flavor, ideal for pesto, sauces, and Mediterranean cuisine. Its excellent tolerance to downy mildew ensures healthier plants and significantly extends the harvest period , a major advantage for continuous and reliable production.
Awarded the All-America Selections 2025 prize, 'Piedmont' is distinguished by its consistency, vigor, and the quality of its foliage, whether grown in the garden or in containers. It is a basil of choice for gardeners seeking performance, flavor, and ease of cultivation .
Latin name: Ocimum basilicum
Maturity: Annual
Type: Genovese Basil
Plant height: Approximately 60 cm
Spread: Approximately 60 cm
Quantity per packet: Approximately 100 seeds
Formulation: Untreated
Uses: Pesto, fresh cooking, growing in pots or in the garden
Companion plants: Ground cherry, okra, hot pepper, bell pepper, tomato
Enemy plants: Rue
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 artificial lighting and a heat mat is recommended, as basil is susceptible to damping-off. Outdoors, sow or transplant only when all risk of frost has passed , in a warm, sunny location.
Growing tips
'Piedmont' basil thrives in warm, sunny locations with regular watering , but dislikes cold winds. Once the plant reaches about 15 cm (6 inches), pinch back the stems to encourage branching and remove any flower buds to promote leaf production. When growing on a balcony or patio, use a container at least 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter filled with a rich, well-draining potting mix.
Harvesting and uses
Harvest the outer leaves first, then continue harvesting as needed to encourage regrowth. The leaves can be used fresh, frozen, or dried ; July and August are ideal months for stockpiling. Aromatic, robust, and long-lasting , 'Piedmont' basil is an excellent choice for abundant and extended harvests, straight from the garden to the kitchen.
