Description
Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’ – Who doesn’t love basil??
The most popular culinary basil loved for its large leaves and sweet, mildly spicy flavour! It also retains its flavour well as it ages. Perfect for pesto salads, and any dish calling for a large leaved basil. Basil is a warm weather annual that thrives in well drained fertile soil in a full or partially shady location where it will get 6-8 hours of sun per day. Basil grows best when it is guaranteed adequate drainage which is why they do best in pots or raised beds. Ensure good air flow between plants, by adequate spacing as basil is typically susceptible to fungal moulds. In order to encourage a more branched and bushy plant, prune to just above the second set of leaves after they have produced their first 6 leaves and keep pruning back to their first set when each branch reaches 6-8 leaves. Continue to pinch buds and harvest leaves regularly to encourage new leaf growth. Harvest in the morning when leaves contain the highest concentration of aromatic oils.
Direct seed: Plant seeds 1/4″ deep, 2-3 seeds per inch, in rows 18″ apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. Thinning is not necessary, but a final spacing of 4-8″ apart produces healthy, full plants.
Transplant: Sow indoors 6 weeks prior to setting out. Plant 1/4″ deep and keep at 70°F (21°C) for best germination. Transplant outside, to warm soil, when seedlings have 3-4 sets of leaves, spacing at 4-8″ apart in rows 18″ apart.
Moderately rich, moist soil. Basil is not drought tolerant and can be damaged by heat stress. Regular moisture throughout the growing season helps to ensure a good crop. Harvesting is best done in the early morning when the temperature is cooler and the leaves are less likely to wilt. Cut the entire plant 4-6″ above the ground to promote a second growth. Leaves are easily bruised when picking, so handle carefully. Do not store at a temperature less than 50°F (10°C). Plants can also be started from cuttings.
Basil is cold sensitive so don’t store in the fridge.
Ht. 20-24″ Full sun Days to Maturity: 68 days
Approx 100 seeds
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.