Genovese Italian Basil Seeds

Genovese Italian Basil Seeds – Traditional Flavor for Pesto & More

Genovese Italian Basil is the gold standard of classic basil flavor—aromatic, sweet, and richly herbaceous. This traditional variety from the Genoa region of Italy is a must-have for pesto lovers and fans of Mediterranean cuisine. The plants are compact, productive, and bursting with broad, glossy green leaves that thrive in warm, sunny conditions.

Perfect for garden beds, containers, and kitchen windowsills, this versatile herb adds bright flavor to sauces, salads, soups, stir-fries, and summer dishes. Harvest frequently to prevent flowering and prolong the growing season. For preserving, try creating your own basil salt by layering leaves with salt in a jar—it’s a chef’s secret for adding rich herbal flavor year-round.

Product Features:

• Classic Heirloom Variety – The same basil grown in Genoa, Italy
• Fragrant, Broad Leaves – Ideal for pesto, caprese, sauces, and more
• Easy to Grow – Does well in pots, beds, or indoor containers
• Height: Approx. 18–24 inches
• Days to Maturity: 68 days
• Best Uses: Culinary herb, basil salt, fresh garnish, sauces, drying

Planting Instructions:

• Start Indoors: April 10–May 1 at 75°F (use heating mat); germinates in 5–14 days
• Transplant Outdoors: After nighttime temps stay above 50°F
• Direct Sow: Early June
• Spacing: 10" between plants
• Light Requirement: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
• Harvest Tips: Prune early to encourage side branching, clip stems, not just individual leaves, harvest regularly to prevent bolting and don’t remove more than 50% of the plant at once.

Seed Saving:

Basil is insect-pollinated and may cross with other basil varieties, so isolate by 150 feet if saving seed. Wait until seeds are fully mature (black), then harvest by drying flower stalks in paper bags and threshing.

Please note: this product is fulfilled and shipped by our affiliate partner, Nature & Nurture Seeds. Pricing and availability are subject to change at the discretion of our affiliate partner.