SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Genovese Emily

Basil
Zone 13b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Genovese Emily to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Genovese Emily
45d to harvest

Fragrant as a summer breeze, Genovese Emily basil fills the garden with a vivid, sweet-anise perfume and a bright, true-green allure. Leaves are tender and generously sized, with a smooth, velvety surface and a full-bodied, classic basil flavor that shines in fresh bunches and turns wonderfully aromatic when warmed. Grow Genovese Emily for abundant harvests at about 45 days—ideal for making fragrant pesto, stirring into sauces, and finishing salads with living green fragrance.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 15th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity45
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Genovese Emily in Zone 13b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Genovese Emily.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Ocimum basilicum during the main growing phase (around the time it’s actively leafing out)?
Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, which is usually every 2–4 days depending on heat and container size. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy—basil roots in waterlogged conditions and leaf issues increase in persistent dampness. If growing in containers, check daily in hot weather and aim for thorough, slow watering until excess drains away.
How can I tell when Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum) is ready to harvest?
Start harvesting around 35–45 days after sowing when plants are bushy and have several sets of healthy leaves (typically after they reach about 8–10 inches tall). Harvest by snipping just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching, and avoid stripping more than about one-third of the plant at a time. If you see flower buds forming, begin harvesting more frequently because leaves become smaller and more bitter after flowering starts.
Botanical illustration of Genovese Emily

Fragrant as a summer breeze, Genovese Emily basil fills the garden with a vivid, sweet-anise perfume and a bright, true-green allure. Leaves are tender and generously sized, with a smooth, velvety surface and a full-bodied, classic basil flavor that shines in fresh bunches and turns wonderfully aromatic when warmed. Grow Genovese Emily for abundant harvests at about 45 days—ideal for making fragrant pesto, stirring into sauces, and finishing salads with living green fragrance.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Genovese Emily in Zone 13b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Genovese Emily.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start indoors for the earliest harvest, then transplant only after nights stay warm and protect young plants from cool drafts for the first week.