W.H. Perron

*Ocimum basilicum*

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From seed to harvest

Common nameBasil
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusBasil
Speciesbasil
CultivarLarge Green Genovese
TypeUntreated
Botanical name*Ocimum basilicum*
Quantity per packet100 seeds

Basil Seeds 'Large Genova Green' (Ocimum basilicum) – offered by Seed Company WH Perron

Basil ' Large Genova Green' is a classic and aromatic variety, ideal for preparing pesto and enhancing your Mediterranean dishes. Its large, attractive, rounded, bright green leaves are very tasty and perfect for use in cooking.

Quantity per packet : Approx 100 seeds
Maturity : Annual
Plant height : 20 to 30 cm
Spread : 25 to 30 cm
Type : Genovese
Formulation : Untreated
Companion plants : Ground cherry, okra, hot pepper, bell pepper, tomato
Enemy plants : Rue

Cultivation method:

Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost Maintain a temperature of 68 to 75°F (20 to 24°C) to promote rapid germination Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, into rich, well-drained soil

Plant in full sun and space plants 10-12 inches apart to encourage good air circulation Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture without saturating the soil Pinch off the tips to encourage branching and prolong the harvest

Add 'Grand Vert Genova' basil to your vegetable garden or window boxes to enjoy its tasty and aromatic leaves, perfect for enriching your recipes throughout the season.

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 establish this variety, first choose a location that matches its exposure: sun. Indoors: A well-drained and porous seed-starting mix is ideal for preventing overwatering. Outdoors: A compost-rich potting mix for container gardening and a well-drained, rich soil that remains cool for garden cultivation. This variety benefits from soil that retains moisture 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 flower bed by taking into account its height of 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in). When designing the planting, reserve 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) of spread for each plant of this variety.
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 stays moist during its growth; regular checks below the surface help to intervene before wilting while avoiding saturating 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 the placement of this variety in the garden bed by considering its height of 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in). When designing the planting, allow for 25 to 30 cm (9.8 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 25 to 30 cm (9.8 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, 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, 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 install this variety, first choose a location corresponding to its exposure: sun. Indoors: A well-drained and 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 cool 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

20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in)

Width / spread

25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in)

Fragrance

This variety produces large, attractive, highly aromatic, round, bright green leaves.

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 flower bed, taking into account its height of 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in). When designing the planting layout, reserve 25 to 30 cm (9.8 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 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 height of 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in). When designing the planting, allow 25 to 30 cm (9.8 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 apart 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 approximately 25 to 30 cm (9.8 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. Basil is harvested above a pair of leaves to preserve growth points on the stem.
Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Recipe idea for your 'Genovese Large Leaf' 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 light 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 cold in a closed container.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

When should I start sowing 'Genovese' basil seeds?
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 the '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 'Genovese Giant' Basil?
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: Use a compost-rich potting mix for container gardening, and well-drained, rich soil that stays moist for garden planting. Plan the placement of this variety in the bed by taking its 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) height into account. When planning the layout, allow 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) of spread for each plant of this variety.
How should 'Genovese' basil be watered during its growth?
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 '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.

Seed-starting essentials

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