W.H. Perron

Ocimum basilicum

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From seed to harvest

Common nameBasil
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusBasil
Speciesbasil
CultivarEmerald Tower Genovese
TypeUntreated
Botanical nameOcimum basilicum
Quantity per packet100 seeds

'Emerald Tower Genovese' Basil (Ocimum basilicum). 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil is an exceptional variety with a columnar, well-branched habit and short internodes that promote a high yield. Its dark green, lustrous foliage offers a traditional Genovese basil flavor, ideal for Italian cuisine. Its late flowering, occurring 10 to 12 weeks later than classic varieties, allows for an extended harvest. This variety reaches 40 cm (15.7 in). For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, the packet contains 100 seeds to start your planting. For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, basil should be harvested above a pair of leaves to preserve regrowth points on the stem.

For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, the sowing schedule for this variety is as follows: indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, for this variety, observe this sowing depth: on the surface, without covering. For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, the seeds of this variety remain on the surface; gentle watering preserves their position and avoids washing them under a layer of potting soil. For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, label the herbs as soon as you sow them to distinguish species whose initial leaves look alike.

Add 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil to your garden to enjoy flavorful, abundant foliage, perfect for enhancing your dishes and enriching your vegetable patch. For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, harvest the outer leaves first and continue harvesting as needed. Basil can be preserved either frozen or dried. For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, the months of July and August are the ideal time for harvesting leaves to freeze. For 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil, plan for space for this variety in the garden bed by taking into account its height of 40 cm (15.7 in).

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Annual
Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

On the surface, without covering

Spacing / density

12 inches between plants

Germination temperature

21 °C

Sowing period

Indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost

Propagation

Sowing

Growing method

The sowing schedule for this variety is as follows: indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. For this variety, observe this sowing depth: on the surface, without covering. The seeds of this variety remain on the surface; gentle watering preserves their position and prevents them from being washed under a layer of potting soil. To plant this variety, first choose a location that matches its light requirement: sun. Indoors: A well-drained, porous seed-starting mix is ideal for preventing overwatering. Outdoors: A compost-rich potting mix for container gardening and well-drained, rich soil that remains cool for garden cultivation. This variety benefits from soil that stays moist during its growth; regular checks beneath the surface help to intervene before wilting occurs, while avoiding saturating the root ball. Plan the space for this variety in the garden bed, taking into account its height of 40 cm (15.7 in). When planning the layout, allow for 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) of spread for each plant of this variety. For Basil 'Emerald Tower Genovese', keep the identified packet to track the cultivar-specific data throughout the season.
Soil and care

Soil and care

Soil & care

Moisture

Cool to moist soil, with good drainage

Watering

This variety thrives in soil that remains moist throughout its growth; regular checks beneath the surface help you intervene before wilting occurs, while avoiding waterlogging the root ball. To plant this variety, first choose a location that matches its light requirements: full sun. Indoors: A well-drained, porous seed-starting mix is ideal to prevent overwatering.

Soil type

To plant this variety, first choose a location that matches its sun exposure. Indoors: A well-drained, porous seed-starting mix is ideal to prevent overwatering. Outdoors: A compost-rich potting soil for container gardening, and a well-drained, rich soil that remains moist for garden planting. This variety benefits from soil that stays cool and moist during its growth; checking regularly beneath the surface helps you intervene before wilting occurs, while avoiding saturating the root ball.

Fertilization

To plant this variety, first choose a location that matches its sun exposure. Indoors: A well-drained, porous seed-starting mix is ideal to prevent overwatering. Outdoors: A compost-rich potting soil for container gardening, and rich, well-drained soil that remains cool for garden planting. Basil loves the sun; it requires plenty of heat and frequent watering to thrive, and it hates the wind.

Seasonal care

Basil loves the sun, requires plenty of heat and frequent watering to thrive, and hates the wind. Once the plant reaches 15 cm in height, pinch it to encourage branching and remove flower buds to promote more foliage. The sowing schedule for this variety is as follows: indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. For this variety, observe this sowing depth: on the surface, without covering. The seeds of this variety remain on the surface; gentle watering preserves their placement and prevents them from being washed under a layer of soil. This variety benefits from soil that retains moisture throughout its growth; regular checks below the surface help to intervene before wilting while avoiding saturation of the root ball. Harvest the outer leaves first and continue harvesting as needed. Basil can be stored either frozen or dried. The months of July and August are the ideal time for harvesting leaves for freezing. Plan for this variety's space in the garden bed by taking into account its height of 40 cm (15.7 in). When planning the layout, allow 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) of spread for each plant of this variety. When planting this variety, the spacing to maintain is 30 cm between plants.
Growing in containers

Container growing

Container growing

Recommended pot size

7.6 to 19 L (2 to 5 US gal)
The foliage of this variety occupies about 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in); leave this width available around the container instead of crowding several plants against its edge. Place the container for this variety in this exposure: sun, while checking the light received throughout the day. The sowing calendar for this variety is prepared as follows: indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. For this variety, respect this sowing depth: on the surface, without covering. The seeds of this variety remain on the surface; gentle watering preserves their position and avoids washing them under a layer of potting soil. To plant this variety, first choose a location corresponding to its exposure: sun. Indoors: A well-drained and porous seed-starting mix is ideal to prevent overwatering. Outdoors: A compost-rich potting mix for container gardening and well-drained, rich soil that stays cool for garden cultivation. This variety benefits from soil that retains moisture during its growth; regular checks below the surface help to intervene before wilting while avoiding leaving the root ball saturated.
Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

40 cm (15.7 in)

Width / spread

20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in)

Edible parts

Aromatic leaves

Harvest

Harvest aromatic parts as needed without completely stripping the plant. Use a clean tool for a neat cut.
Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Plan the placement of this variety in the flowerbed, taking into account its height of 40 cm (15.7 in). When designing the planting, allow for a spread of 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) for each plant of this variety. When planting this variety, the spacing to use is 30 cm between plants: 25-30 cm within the row and 30 cm between rows. For balcony or patio cultivation, transplant into a container at least 25 cm in diameter.

Garden use

Plan the placement of this variety in the flowerbed, taking into account its 40 cm (15.7 in) height. When designing the planting, reserve 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) of spread for each plant of this variety. When planting this variety, the spacing to use is 30 cm between plants. 25-30 cm in the row and 30 cm between rows. For balcony or patio cultivation, transplant into a container at least 25 cm in diameter. Basil loves the sun, requires plenty of heat and frequent watering to thrive, and hates the wind. Once the plant reaches 15 cm in height, pinch it to encourage branching and remove flower buds to promote more foliage. The foliage of this variety occupies about 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in); leave this width available around the container instead of crowding several plants against its edge. Place the container for this variety in this exposure: sun, while checking the light received throughout the day. Its late flowering, occurring 10 to 12 weeks later than classic varieties, allows for an extended harvest.
Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Recipe idea for your 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil harvest: prepare an herb butter to serve with hot vegetables. Let a small amount of butter soften, then incorporate finely chopped fresh leaves. Remove the tough stems before mincing the foliage and start with a small amount to gauge the aromatic intensity. Add a little lemon zest and pepper; salt only if the butter is unsalted. Mix with a fork, place in a small ramekin, and refrigerate to firm up. Melt a small knob over hot potatoes, cooked corn, or roasted carrots just before serving. The amount of herbs can be adjusted according to the desired flavor: a small touch is often enough to start. The tender leaves should be chopped with a knife without being crushed for too long. Prepare a small portion of flavored butter and keep it refrigerated in a closed container.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

When should I start sowing 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil?
The sowing schedule for this variety is as follows: indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. For this variety, observe this sowing depth: on the surface, without covering. The seeds of this variety remain on the surface; gentle watering preserves their position and prevents them from being washed under a layer of potting soil. Basil should be harvested above a pair of leaves to preserve regrowth points on the stem. Wait until the young plant has enough foliage before increasing the number of cuts. It appreciates heat and reacts poorly to cold spells. For cooking, add the leaves according to the aromatic intensity of the variety; lemon, cinnamon, and Genovese-type basils do not flavor dishes in the same way.
Should 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil seeds be covered?
The sowing schedule for this variety is as follows: indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. For this variety, observe this sowing depth: on the surface, without covering. The seeds of this variety remain on the surface; gentle watering preserves their position and prevents them from being washed under a layer of potting soil. This variety benefits from soil that stays cool during its growth; regular checks below the surface help to intervene before wilting while avoiding saturating the root ball. Basil should be harvested above a pair of leaves to preserve growth points on the stem.
Which location is suitable for Basil 'Emerald Tower Genovese'?
To install this variety, first choose a location that matches its sun exposure requirements. Indoors: A well-drained, porous seed-starting mix is ideal to prevent overwatering. Outdoors: Use a compost-rich potting mix for container gardening, or well-drained, rich soil that remains moist for garden planting. Plan the placement of this variety in the flowerbed by accounting for its height of 40 cm (15.7 in). When planning the layout, allow 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) of spread for each plant of this variety.
How should I water 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil while it is growing?
This variety thrives in soil that stays cool and moist during its growth; regular checks just below the surface help you intervene before wilting occurs, while avoiding waterlogged root balls. Basil loves the sun, requires plenty of heat and frequent watering to flourish, and hates the wind. Once the plant reaches 15 cm in height, pinch it back to encourage branching and remove flower buds to promote more foliage. To plant this variety, first choose a location that matches its sun requirements. Indoors: A well-draining, porous seed-starting soil mix is ideal to prevent overwatering.
How should I care for 'Emerald Tower Genovese' basil throughout the season?
Basil loves the sun, requires plenty of heat and frequent watering to thrive, and hates the wind. Once the plant reaches 15 cm in height, pinch it to encourage branching and remove flower buds to promote more foliage. The sowing schedule for this variety is as follows: indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. For this variety, observe this sowing depth: on the surface, without covering. The seeds of this variety remain on the surface; gentle watering keeps them in place and prevents them from being washed under a layer of soil.

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