BASIL ‘Genovese’ Herb Seeds
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
- Traditional Italian basil variety with rich flavour and fragrance.
- Slow to bolt, producing abundant large leaves up to 8 cm long.
- Perfect for classic Mediterranean cooking, sauces, and herbal teas.
- Grows best in warm weather with plenty of sun and well-drained soil.
- Great for containers, garden beds, or greenhouse production.
Product Description
Genovese Basil is the most popular variety for traditional Italian cuisine. With large, smooth, aromatic leaves, it is ideal for making fresh pesto, infusing oils, and pairing with tomato-based dishes. Plants are compact and productive, with good resistance to bolting in warm climates.
This variety thrives in New Zealand’s spring and summer seasons, performing well in both outdoor garden beds and potted indoor settings. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and continual leaf production. It is also a great pollinator plant, attracting bees while acting as a natural deterrent for some garden pests.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual herb (frost sensitive)
- Plant Height: Up to 60 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days at 18–25°C
- Depth: Sow 0.5 cm deep
- Position: Full sun (minimum 6 hours)
- Sow Where: Directly in garden beds or containers
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil with compost; pH 6.0–7.5
- Spacing: 30 cm between plants; 30–50 cm between rows
Growing Tips
- Pinch out flower buds early to encourage leafy growth.
- Water regularly—avoid letting soil dry out between watering.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest often by snipping just above a pair of leaves.
- Grow in containers if frost risk is present, and bring indoors overnight.
Harvest
Begin harvesting in 60–80 days. Regular picking will prolong the life of the plant and improve leaf quality.
When to Sow Genovese Basil in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | September – January | Sow directly once soil has warmed. Ideal for container growing or raised beds. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | October – December | Start seeds indoors in early spring to get a head start on the season. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | October – December | Grow in a sunny, sheltered position. Great for greenhouse growing. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | November – January | Start seeds indoors from September to transplant out after frost. |
