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Genovese Basil Seeds

Ocimum basilicum

4.90 (10 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Since basil thrives in warm weather, it grows best when the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost. Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their Genovese basil seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them thinly in flats and providing heat to speed germination. Transplant 15-18" apart. To direct sow, plant the seeds 1/4" deep in rich soil and full sun, thinning to 15-18" apart when the seedlings develop. Basil also grows well indoors or as a container plant.

Growing: Basil thrives in soil that drains well, yet needs water often. If the weather drops below 50 degrees, provide protection. As the plant grows, pruning it helps it to develop into a bushy, healthy plant; pruning is also important because once the plant flowers, it will begin to wilt and die. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part.

Harvesting: Basil leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a height of 6-8". The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning after the dew dries. After the plant is established, harvesting often actually improves production; once the flowers develop, however, the leaves grow bitter to the taste. Remove single leaves or parts of a stem as needed, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the length of the stem for healthy growth. When harvesting, pinch off the stem directly above the next set of leaves. Fresh basil will keep for several days at room temperature, with the stems in a glass of water; if refrigerated, it tends to wilt and turn brown. Basil also freezes and dries well. Since the water content of basil is very high and it can mold easily, the best method for drying is a dehydrator, an oven, or a similar dry, warm location.

Seed Saving: After the flowers have finished blooming, the Genovese basil seeds will begin to develop. Harvest the clusters of pods when they turn brown, and spread them out to dry in a protected location away from direct sunlight. Thresh the heads to remove the seed, and clean out as much of the chaff as possible. Store Genovese basil seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 21,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Green

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Aromatic

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Excellent product

Very good germination

Excellent germination. Excellent product

Genovese Basil Seeds 4.0
Review By Zachary

Good Basil

I have been buying from Everwilde for over 7 years and I can say the are very good overall!

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Great seeds

Beautiful

Perfect germination. My new go to place for seeds

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Robert Byerly

Good company

I first bought from Everwilde Farms 3 years ago. The company I was ordering from said my Genovese basil was back ordered. Long story short it was never going to be delivered as they didn't have any. I scrambled and found Everwilde. I was impressed with the service and quality so much my entire order is with them,

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Virgil Burris

seeds

well packaged seeds and fast shipping.

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By R K Ripperger

Great Service!

You let me know when & how to expect my shipment (envelope) and was presented w/the most BEAUTIFUL seed packets we've ever seen!. (Gardners for most of our 78 yrs) Thank you - and we'll be back!!

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Bob

Great basil

Grew this seed last summer. Germination was very good and plants were strong producers of leaves. We are still enjoying pesto on pasta and pizza!

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Linda Wedberg-Kraft

Beautiful Plants

These have been my favorite seeds of the ones I ordered. The plant are growing well and there were many seeds to plant. I have Basil plants all over and may have to offer some to our neighbor! Very nice.

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Robert Ray

Excellent thus far!!!

First time customer --- quite impressed with responsive order (in spite of ongoing pandemic), quality of packaging, and thus far the yield.
Started about 3/4s of the selection indoors and a few out -- germination seems very good (75-95%)  
This far I am very pleased  
Thank you in advance!
Be safe out there!

Genovese Basil Seeds 5.0
Review By Nikki Conjurske

Attractive Packaging

We ordered 1 lb of Basil Seeds and We received them very quickly! The packaging is beautiful and in such a nice, resealable bag! I would VERY highly recommend this company :)

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~2,000 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~21,000 Seeds) $7.09 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $12.12 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $30.00 -+
5 Lb Mylar (2.27kg) $135.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $240.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $570.00 -+
50 Lb Bulk Bag (22.7kg) $1,080.00 -+
100 Lb Bulk Bag (45.4kg) $2,100.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

Genovese Basil is widely regarded as the best herb for pesto and garlic-flavored dishes. The plants grow knee-high and may yield 7 or 8 cuttings in a season. Medium-sized dark green leaves average 2 to 3" in length and have a strong spicy fragrance and taste. Slow to bolt! Water regularly, but do not overwater.
Genovese basil, the herb of choice for traditional pesto, comes from the Italian provinces of Genoa, Savona, and Imperia. Originally, however, basil grew in India and ancient Persia, and has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Since basil thrives in warm weather, it grows best when the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost. Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their Genovese basil seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, sowing them thinly in flats and providing heat to speed germination. Transplant 15-18" apart. To direct sow, plant the seeds 1/4" deep in rich soil and full sun, thinning to 15-18" apart when the seedlings develop. Basil also grows well indoors or as a container plant.

Growing: Basil thrives in soil that drains well, yet needs water often. If the weather drops below 50 degrees, provide protection. As the plant grows, pruning it helps it to develop into a bushy, healthy plant; pruning is also important because once the plant flowers, it will begin to wilt and die. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part.

Harvesting: Basil leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a height of 6-8". The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning after the dew dries. After the plant is established, harvesting often actually improves production; once the flowers develop, however, the leaves grow bitter to the taste. Remove single leaves or parts of a stem as needed, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the length of the stem for healthy growth. When harvesting, pinch off the stem directly above the next set of leaves. Fresh basil will keep for several days at room temperature, with the stems in a glass of water; if refrigerated, it tends to wilt and turn brown. Basil also freezes and dries well. Since the water content of basil is very high and it can mold easily, the best method for drying is a dehydrator, an oven, or a similar dry, warm location.

Seed Saving: After the flowers have finished blooming, the Genovese basil seeds will begin to develop. Harvest the clusters of pods when they turn brown, and spread them out to dry in a protected location away from direct sunlight. Thresh the heads to remove the seed, and clean out as much of the chaff as possible. Store Genovese basil seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 21,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Green

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Aromatic

Reviews

4.90
Global Rating: 4.90 from 10 reviews
5.0

Review By Excellent product

Very good germination

Excellent germination. Excellent product

4.0

Review By Zachary

Good Basil

I have been buying from Everwilde for over 7 years and I can say the are very good overall!

5.0

Review By Great seeds

Beautiful

Perfect germination. My new go to place for seeds

5.0

Review By Robert Byerly

Good company

I first bought from Everwilde Farms 3 years ago. The company I was ordering from said my Genovese basil was back ordered. Long story short it was never going to be delivered as they didn't have any. I scrambled and found Everwilde. I was impressed with the service and quality so much my entire order is with them,

5.0

Review By Virgil Burris

seeds

well packaged seeds and fast shipping.

5.0

Review By R K Ripperger

Great Service!

You let me know when & how to expect my shipment (envelope) and was presented w/the most BEAUTIFUL seed packets we've ever seen!. (Gardners for most of our 78 yrs) Thank you - and we'll be back!!

5.0

Review By Bob

Great basil

Grew this seed last summer. Germination was very good and plants were strong producers of leaves. We are still enjoying pesto on pasta and pizza!

5.0

Review By Linda Wedberg-Kraft

Beautiful Plants

These have been my favorite seeds of the ones I ordered. The plant are growing well and there were many seeds to plant. I have Basil plants all over and may have to offer some to our neighbor! Very nice.

5.0

Review By Robert Ray

Excellent thus far!!!

First time customer --- quite impressed with responsive order (in spite of ongoing pandemic), quality of packaging, and thus far the yield.
Started about 3/4s of the selection indoors and a few out -- germination seems very good (75-95%)  
This far I am very pleased  
Thank you in advance!
Be safe out there!

5.0

Review By Nikki Conjurske

Attractive Packaging

We ordered 1 lb of Basil Seeds and We received them very quickly! The packaging is beautiful and in such a nice, resealable bag! I would VERY highly recommend this company :)