Genovese

Basil

Zone 9a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Fragrant as a sun-warmed green garden, Genovese Italian Basil unfurls with lush, medium-large leaves that feel velvety to the tou…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 23rd
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 1st
Harvest Begins	Jun 30th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

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

Banana Pepper Pepper

Georgia Streak Tomato

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue most commonly affects Ocimum basilicum (Genovese basil), and how do I control it?

Basil commonly suffers from downy mildew (often showing yellow patches on upper leaves with gray-purple growth underneath). Remove and discard affected leaves early, improve airflow around plants, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. If problems persist, use a labeled fungicide for basil downy mildew and keep plants in full sun to speed drying between waterings.

How often should I water Genovese basil during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the main growing phase, water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry, then water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone. Aim for evenly moist but not soggy soil—basil (Ocimum basilicum) performs poorly in continually wet conditions and can develop fungal leaf problems.

How can I tell when Genovese basil is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall and have multiple pairs of healthy leaves, typically around 60 days from sowing. Pick by cutting above a leaf node (just above where leaves branch) so the plant can produce new shoots; regular harvesting delays flowering and keeps leaves tender.

Fragrant as a sun-warmed green garden, Genovese Italian Basil unfurls with lush, medium-large leaves that feel velvety to the touch and hold their vivid color through the season. Its flavor is bright and sweet with a classic, aromatic lift—ideal for the signature green sauces and for fresh garnishing, where its tender texture shines. Grow it for a steady harvest of fragrant sprigs that make every bowl feel unmistakably Italian.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

For Genovese basil, wait to transplant until nighttime temps are reliably warm and keep soil evenly moist for the best leaf yield for pesto.