68days to harvest
5-10days to germinate
Z10–10USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil reaches 70°F. Transplant after all danger of frost has passed.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture but well-drained
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep emerald green
Size
3"
Shape
Large, oval leaves with smooth edges and glossy surface
Flavour
Sweet, aromatic, and slightly spicy with hints of anise and clove

In the kitchen

Pesto, Caprese salad, pizza, pasta, fresh garnish, infused oils, tomato-based dishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, spider mites, slugs, Japanese beetles
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, downy mildew, bacterial leaf spot, damping off
Resistance
Susceptible to fusarium wilt and downy mildew in humid conditions

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesBasil repels tomato hornworms and aphids, may improve tomato flavor
PeppersBasil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
OreganoBoth herbs have similar growing requirements and repel common garden pests
LettuceBasil provides light shade and repels aphids that damage lettuce leaves
MarigoldsBoth repel aphids and whiteflies, creating a strong pest deterrent combination
ParsleyCompatible growing requirements and attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps
AsparagusBasil repels asparagus beetles and both plants have non-competing root systems
CarrotsBasil helps repel carrot flies while carrots don't compete for nutrients

Avoid

RueAllelopathic properties inhibit basil growth and can stunt development
SageCompetes for nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through allelopathy
Common ThymeCan be too aggressive and outcompete basil for space and nutrients

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
23
Protein (g)
3.15
Fat (g)
0.64
Carbohydrate (g)
2.65
Fibre (g)
1.6
Sugars (g)
0.3
Vitamin A (µg)
264
Vitamin C (mg)
18
Vitamin E (mg)
0.8
Vitamin K (µg)
415
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.155
Folate (µg)
68
Calcium (mg)
177
Iron (mg)
3.17
Magnesium (mg)
64
Phosphorus (mg)
56
Potassium (mg)
295
Zinc (mg)
0.81
Selenium (µg)
0.3

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Genovese Basil?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Genovese Basil suits these too.

Browse all 104 herbs