Genovese Basil

Basil

60d to harvest

Fragrant as a sunlit garden path, Genovese Basil unfurls with richly aromatic leaves that feel velvety to the touch and hold their lush, medium-green color. The flavor is classic and bright—sweet, herbal, and unmistakably “Italian”—with a tender texture that stays graceful from first harvest through repeated cuttings. Ideal for fresh use and signature pesto-style sauces, it also shines when gently warmed or blended into herb-forward dressings and marinades.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 13th
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 22nd
Harvest Begins	Aug 21st
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Dr. Wyche's Yellow Tomato

Fireball Marigold

Champion Moss Curled Parsley

Green Pearl Parsley

Cuor Di Bue Tomato

Lemon Gem Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common disease issue for Ocimum basilicum (Genovese basil), and how can I prevent it?

Basil commonly suffers from downy mildew (often seen as yellow patches on leaves with a gray-purple growth underneath) and it spreads quickly in cool, humid conditions. Grow basil in full sun with good airflow, water at the soil line (not onto leaves), and remove any infected leaves immediately to slow spread. If you see downy mildew, treat early with a labeled protectant for downy mildew on herbs and avoid overhead watering until plants dry fast.

How often should I water Genovese basil during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main growth phase (after plants are established), keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. In full sun, this typically means watering about 1–2 times per week, but adjust to weather so leaves don’t wilt and stems don’t stay soggy. If you’re container-growing, check more often because basil dries faster and needs more frequent, lighter watering to maintain steady moisture.