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Ocimum basilicum Basil 'Genovese', also called Sweet Basil, is one of the most popular herb plants that we grow. We grow a lot of basil plants and this is a favorite for authentic Italian basil flavor and aroma- a must for your culinary herb gardening efforts. Culturally, Genovese Basil is important to Italian cuisine, and traditionally was a symbol of love throughout Italy. When women were preparing for courtship, many would place a potted Genovese outside of their door to signal suitors that they were receptive to their calls. In India, it is considered a sacred herb, and is often dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. A hugely popular culinary herb, the tall and relatively slow to bolt stems on this basil plant bear dark green leaves about 3" long. This is a wonderful pesto basil and our Italian Cuisine Kit is a great starter set for the ambitious chef! Basil is also a fantastic companion plant and natural pest repellent. Check out Briscoe's Tips to learn what not to plant near your Basil and how you can use it to keep mosquitoes away this summer!
Ocimum basilicum
Characteristics: Basil is one the easiest and most popular traditional culinary herbs! This tasty favorite is an annual, and will grow well in just about every zone. Be sure to plant outside only when night temperatures reach 50 to 55 degrees or above.
Light: Basil needs a lot of light, but will benefit from a little shade during the hottest part of the day.
Water: Water basil when it is dry to the touch, without over watering.
Soil: Basil likes rich, well-drained soil and will grow best in soil enhanced with well-composted manure.
Use: Genovese Basil is a favorite for authentic Italian cuisine. Basil is a great natural pest repellent and companion plant:
Basil is a wonderful plant to plant near your kitchen
windows or doorways, not just for its use in your favorite dishes, but because
this culinary herb has terrific natural pest repellent properties! Said to
effectively keep house flies and mosquitoes away, planting Basil near entryways
to your home, rubbing it on your skin and clothing, and planting it around your
yard and patio will help reduce the amount of unwanted summer pests. Planting
it in your garden will also keep destructive pests like Thrips, white flies,
and aphids away from neighboring plants. Basil blooms are also very attractive
to butterflies and other useful pollinators.
Basil is said to increase the health and flavor of many
vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, cabbage and especially tomato plants
when companion planted together. For
best results, do not plant Sage or Rue near your Basil, as this is said to
inhibit the plant’s growth and flavor. Instead, grow Chamomile near your Basil
plants to encourage its success.
Click here to learn more about the "Beauty of Basil"!
 Basils do best with a good pinch! We really couldn't live without our Foxgloves for all of the routines of herb gardening! The most comfortable glove we know, and perfect for pruning and harvesting herbs.
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Features
Zone: Annual
Size: 30"H X 8"S
Light: Full Sun
Bloom: White, blooms in the Summer
Uses: Edible aromatic foliage, dark green leaves about 3" long. Yields abundant leaves with authentic Italian basil flavor that tastes great in a pesto sauce. Easy to grow in containers or outdoors.
Tips: As with most varieties of basil, they love the sun and cannot tolerate cold. If you are keeping it indoors to extend its growing season, make sure it gets lots of light and adequate, but not excessive water. Pinch the flowering tops down to the first set of leaves, or first node, to prolong its usefulness in the kitchen.
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