Genovese Basil, Heirloom Seeds

Genovese Basil — The Quintessential Italian Pesto Basil

Genovese Basil is the most popular heirloom basil in the world — and for good reason. It is the quintessential Italian pesto basil, prized for its bold, sweet, yet spicy flavor and the kind of intense, heady aroma that fills the kitchen the moment you tear a leaf. Vigorous plants grow 24–30 inches tall and produce an abundance of extra-large, 2–3 inch glossy dark green leaves that are the gold standard for fresh pesto, Caprese salads, pasta, and any dish that calls for fresh basil.

An intensely scented strain of sweet basil with slightly hairy leaves and beautiful purple flowers — excellent as a fresh market herb and a garden showpiece.

Why Grow Genovese Basil?

• The quintessential pesto basil — the variety Italian cuisine was built on
• Extra-large 2–3" glossy dark green leaves — tender, fragrant, and abundant
• Bold, sweet, yet spicy flavor — intensely aromatic, far superior to grocery store basil
• Vigorous 24–30" plants — prolific producers through the season
• Beautiful purple flowers — ornamental as well as culinary
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost danger has passed. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in fertile, well-draining soil. Transplant or thin to 12–18 inches apart in full sun. Water consistently but avoid waterlogging. Pinch flower buds as they appear to extend the harvest season and keep leaves at peak flavor. Harvest leaves regularly for best production.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.