Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Genova Basil) is a culinary herb that is native to northern Africa, southern Europe and Asia. Sweet Genova Basil is an Italian cultivar that is popularly used to make pesto and is renowned for its sweet and peppery taste. Basil is a great companion plant, is highly medicinal and adds an aromatic smell to the garden.
Suitable for Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Growing Sweet Genova Basil at home is ideal for making your own pesto, salads and for garnishing pizzas.
For the green version of Holy Basil click here OR to view our full range of herbs click here.
Growth
Ocimum basilicum is a culinary herb that grows to a maximum height of 1.5m (5 feet) by a width of 60cm (24 inches). They enjoy full sun, warm climates and do well growing in containers. Sweet Genova Basil is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, chilli, dill, parsley and asparagus and also works to repel unwanted insects such as mosquitos, beetles, hornworms and thrips.
Sweet Genova Basil can be grown in temperate regions if they are protected from any late frosts and avoid temperatures that drop below 10°C / 86°F. In greenhouses or tropical areas, the plant can grow as a perennial.
If kept in full sun, with regular moisture it can take around 70-90 days for the leaves to reach a harvestable age.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10-40°C / 50-104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.5m (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial/Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
70-90 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 18-30°C / 65-95°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 650
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT OCIMUM BASILICUM (Sweet Genova Basil)
Sweet Genova Basil is a variety that was first created in the Italian provinces of Genoa, Savona and Imperia. It is one of the most popular Basil cultivars for culinary purposes and is particularly key to making pesto, the traditional Genoese sauce.
The European Union has protected the name basilico genovese for its designation of origin. In historical European culture, the Basil plant has been tied to superstitions and incorporated with the scorpion.
As an essential oil Basil is used to treat medical ailments such as diabetes, fevers, liver and to assist with pain relief and boosting the immune system.
For more information regarding the health benefits of Basil click here.
