West Coast Seeds
West Coast Seeds (Genovese Organic)
West Coast Seeds (Genovese Organic)
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Genovese organic basil seeds are the very best Italian pesto variety of basil. This is the traditional Italian heirloom variety of basil. It has shiny, large, almond-shaped leaves have a more pronounced flavour, and stores well if chopped and frozen in ice cube trays. Pinch growing tips for bushier plants that grow to 60cm (24") tall. Basil is a heat loving tender annual plant that requires good drainage and ample moisture during hot weather. If flowers develop, either save save the resulting seeds or separate them from the plants and sprinkle over pasta or salads. Basil flowers are highly attractive to honeybees and other wild pollinators.
Basil can be planted as a companion to tomato plants. It is said that basil improves the flavour of tomatoes.
| Latin Name |
Ocimum basilicum, Holy basil is O. tenuiflora. |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Exposure |
Full sun |
| Spouting | 5-10 days |
| Starting |
Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep in sterilized seed starting mix. Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination. |
| Growing |
Use any rich, loose, well drained soil. Once plants are 15cm (6″) tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage. |
| Seed Life | 3 years |
Pesto basil from Italy
Shiny, large leaves
More pronounced flavour
Very best for pesto
Certified Organic
