Basil SeedHSC-BAS-012-PKT

Genovese Basil Seed — genovese hand supported leaf

Genovese Basil Seed — genovese garden canopy

Genovese Basil Seed — genovese basil pesto harvest

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Ocimum basilicum

68Days to maturity

A seed worth growing

Genovese Basil Seed

Item #HSC-BAS-012-PKT

The classic Italian basil for pesto and the garden.

Genovese is the traditional Italian basil, with the true aroma and look of the classic. The tall plants hold off flowering fairly well and carry big, deep green leaves roughly 3" in length.

Because this is an older, open strain, plants and leaves can differ a little from one to the next. It is excellent in the field and garden; in pots, under glass or in hydroponics, a newer and more uniform Genovese type will give more even results.

The flowers are edible too, with a strong basil taste; scatter them over pasta, salads or drinks. Plants reach 24–30".

Specs

Plant height: 24–30"
Packet: 200 seeds
Average 19,300 seeds per oz.

In stock — Packet

$5.25

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Quantity

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Know before you sow

Quick Facts

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum
Days To Maturity: 68 days
Life Cycle: Annual
Hybrid Status: Open Pollinated
Product Features

Growing times vary with weather, soil and local conditions.

Growing guide

From seed to harvest

Sow in warmth

Direct sow 1/4" deep in warm soil after frost, or start indoors 6 weeks ahead at about 70°F.

Spacing

Thin or plant 4–8" apart in rows about 18" apart, in full sun and moderately rich soil.

Water steadily

Basil dislikes drought and heat stress; keep the soil evenly moist.

Harvest

Pick lightly in the cool of the morning; before flowering, cut plants back to 4–6" for regrowth. Store above 50°F.

Growing Information

Days to germination

5–10 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C).

Direct sowing (recommended)

Drop 2–3 seeds per inch, 1/4" deep, with 18" between rows, then press the soil down gently. You can skip thinning, though plants left 4–8" apart become fuller and healthier. Holy basil needs a little light to sprout, so cover it more thinly than other kinds.

Transplanting

Start seed inside 6 weeks ahead of planting out, 1/4" deep, held near 70°F (21°C) for even sprouting. Move seedlings outside once they carry 3–4 pairs of leaves, setting them 4–8" apart with 18" between rows.

Light

Full sun.

Soil and water

Fairly fertile ground that stays evenly moist. Basil suffers in drought and hot, stressful spells, so keep watering steadily all season.

Plant height

24–30".

Plant spacing

4–8".

Hardiness

Grown as an annual.

Harvest

Once plants are growing well, begin taking a few sprigs, preferably in the cool early morning when the leaves hold up best. Just before the plants bloom, take a full cut, leaving stems 4–6" high so they sprout again. The leaves bruise at a touch, so handle them gently, and keep cut basil warmer than 50°F (10°C).

Pelleted seed

Keep the soil evenly moist while pelleted seed germinates. Store pelleted seed cool and dry, and use it within a year of purchase.

Scientific name

Ocimum basilicum

Packet

200 seeds.

Seeds per oz.

About 19,300 on average.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We want every packet you buy from Hensley’s Seed Co. to grow well for you.

If anything you order from us doesn’t meet your expectations, just let us know and we’ll replace it or refund what you paid.

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