Basil 'Sweet Genovese' Seeds
Ocimum Basilicum 'Genovese'
Sweet basil seeds to grow and make fresh pesto. The essential, aromatic, Basil. Sweet to taste with a delicate texture. Native to the Mediterranean, it has many culinary uses from pesto to savoury puddings; Basil runs the gamut in the kitchen.
Approx 300 seeds
- Herbs
- Grow Your Own
- Pot Fans
- Not Fussy
Basil 'Sweet Genovese' Seeds – Quick Growing Guide
Sweet Genovese basil seeds are ideal for growing classic Italian basil in your herb garden. Sow indoors from March to May or outdoors after frost. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering keeps the soil moist. Harvest leaves from 4–6 weeks for fresh, aromatic use.
How to Sow, Grow and Harvest Basil 'Sweet Genovese' Seeds
- Sow:March–May indoors or after last frost outdoors
- Germination:7–14 days at 20–25°C
- Grow:Full sun, well-drained, fertile soil
- Water:Regular watering to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Harvest:Pick leaves from 4–6 weeks, pinch regularly to encourage bushy growth
- Best for:Herb gardens, pots, windowsills
Sweet Genovese basil is a classic Italian herb prized for its rich flavour and delicate texture. Ideal for pots or garden beds, it thrives in full sun and adds a fresh, aromatic touch to pesto, salads, and Mediterranean cooking.
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Grow in Your Garden
Calendar
How to Grow
Basil 'Sweet Genovese' seeds can be started indoors from March to July or sown directly outdoors after the last frost in a sunny spot. This annual herb thrives in containers, window boxes, or garden beds where it receives ample sunlight.
Sowing
Sow the seeds directly into warm, well-drained soil lightly covered with compost during the sowing months of March to July. Keep the soil moist and place the container or bed in a sunny location to encourage germination.
Growing
Once seedlings appear, thin them to ensure adequate spacing, or pot on into 25 cm containers to accommodate the plant's growth. Growing from June to October, Sweet Genovese basil benefits from good air circulation to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy development.
Plant care
Water the basil regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during warmer months. Pinching back the tips encourages bushier growth and prolongs the harvesting period throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting also helps maintain the plant's vigour and flavour.
About Basil 'Sweet Genovese'
Sweet Genovese basil is the classic Italian basil, grown for its large, aromatic green leaves and rich flavour. Easy to grow from seed, it thrives in warm, sunny spots and is perfect for pots, windowsills, and herb gardens. Ideal for pesto, salads, and fresh cooking, it’s a must-have culinary herb.
- Herbs
- Grow Your Own
- Pot Fans
- Not Fussy
Eventual height & spread
History of Basil 'Sweet Genovese'
Basil has a rich history spanning over 4,000 years, once believed to have protective and healing properties. Today, Sweet Genovese remains a staple herb for flavourful cooking and home gardens alike.
| Other Names | Basil + Kiss-Me-Nicholas |
|---|---|
| Pet/Baby Safe | Non-toxic |
FAQs
Sow basil seeds indoors from spring in warmth and light. Keep soil moist but well drained, and transplant outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.
Yes. Basil grows well in the UK when kept warm and sheltered. It performs best indoors, in greenhouses, or outside during summer.
Absolutely. Sweet Genovese basil is ideal for container growing and thrives on sunny windowsills or balconies.
Harvest regularly and pinch out flower buds to encourage bushy growth and continuous leaf production.
Yes. It’s the traditional Italian basil used for pesto, pasta, salads, and Mediterranean dishes.