Genovese Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Authentic flavor and appearance. Tall and relatively slow to bolt with large dark green leaves about 3" long. This common strain of Genovese basil can present some variability in leaf shape and plant size. While quite suitable for field and garden, we recommend using a more modern and more uniform variety for greenhouse, container, or hydroponic production, such as Genovese Compact Improved, Aroma 2, Nufar, Dolly, or the Prospera® series. Ht. 24-30".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil.Also available in organic raw and pelleted seed.
Harvest
68d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Genovese Basil in USDA Zone 10
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Genovese Basil · Zones 10–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – April | — | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 4 in. - 1 ft. 2 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Genovese basil leaves stay vibrant for 7-10 days when stored properly. Don't refrigerate—instead, treat cut stems like fresh flowers by placing them in a glass of water at room temperature, covering leaves loosely with a plastic bag. Change water every 2-3 days.
For preservation, freezing maintains the best flavor for pesto-making. Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2 seconds, shock in ice water, pat dry, then freeze in single layers before transferring to freezer bags. Alternatively, blend fresh leaves with olive oil into a paste and freeze in ice cube trays.
Dehydrating works well for seasoning blends—dry leaves at 95°F until crispy, then store in airtight containers. The classic preservation method is making pesto immediately after harvest when oils are most potent, then freezing portions for year-round use.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves and flowers in tea, as flavoring
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Basil repels tomato hornworms and aphids, may improve tomato flavor
Peppers
Basil deters aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly attack pepper plants
Oregano
Both herbs have similar growing requirements and repel common garden pests
Lettuce
Basil provides light shade and repels aphids that damage lettuce leaves
Marigolds
Both repel aphids and whiteflies, creating a strong pest deterrent combination
Parsley
Compatible growing requirements and attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps
Asparagus
Basil repels asparagus beetles and both plants have non-competing root systems
Carrots
Basil helps repel carrot flies while carrots don't compete for nutrients
Keep Apart
Rue
Allelopathic properties inhibit basil growth and can stunt development
Sage
Competes for nutrients and may inhibit basil growth through allelopathy
Common Thyme
Can be too aggressive and outcompete basil for space and nutrients
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to fusarium wilt and downy mildew in humid conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, slugs, Japanese beetles
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, downy mildew, bacterial leaf spot, damping off