Create Your Garden

Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’ (Sweet Basil)

Sweet Basil 'Genovese', Genovese Basil

Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese', Sweet Basil 'Genovese', Genovese Basil, Big Basil Leaves, Large Basil Leaves

Adding a great Mediterranean taste to the cuisine, Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’ (Sweet Basil) is an annual herb boasting large shiny leaves that can be used for rice dishes, poultry, fish, potatoes and vegetables, dressings or marinades. It is one of the most popular basils for culinary use, particularly for its use in pesto. It has a wonderful aroma that will waft into the air at the slightest brush of a hand. A popular herb for growing at home, both in gardens and containers.

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 10-14 in. wide (25-35 cm).
  • Performs best in light, well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Water freely in summer. Basil is extremely frost sensitive.
  • Harvest mature leaves for fresh use at any time.
  • Although Basil naturally repels mosquitoes and flies, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
  • Basil is a valuable addition to the vegetable garden and an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, parsley, lettuce, asparagus, beans, beets, cabbage, eggplant, marigolds, potatoes, or oregano. Avoid planting Basil near Rue (Ruta graveolens) and Sage (Salvia officinalis).
  • While Basil makes a colorful and flavorful addition to many dishes, it can also provide some health benefits. Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and essential oils. However, all these great compounds disappear during the process of drying, so opt for fresh basil whenever possible to enjoy the most benefits. Basil can help reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure, fight free radicals, and reduce high blood sugar levels. Basil has antibacterial properties.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and powdery mildews. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Pinch out flowerheads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. Cut back after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors.

Basil: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting


Learn how to plant, grow and harvest basil and add flavor to your favorite recipes

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Herbs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Common names Basil, Sweet Basil
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 10" - 15"
(25cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Ocimum (Basil)
Not sure which Ocimum (Basil) to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Ocimum basilicum lettuce leaf (Lettuce Leaf Basil)
Ocimum ‘African Blue’ (African Blue Basil)
Ocimum basilicum ‘Lemon’ (Lemon Basil)
Ocimum basilicum ‘Lime’ (Lime Basil)
Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora (Thai Basil)
Ocimum basilicum var. minimum ‘Greek’ (Greek Basil)

Recommended Companion Plants

Allium sativum (Garlic)
Origanum vulgare (Oregano)
Borago officinalis (Borage)
Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile)
Tagetes (Marigold)
Tropaeolum (Nasturtium)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

18 Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
Basil: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting
Companion Planting With Herbs
Wonderful Plants That Repel Insects
Best and Worst Companion Plants for Basil
Ocimum basilicum (Basil)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Herbs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Common names Basil, Sweet Basil
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 10" - 15"
(25cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Ocimum (Basil)
Not sure which Ocimum (Basil) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’ (Sweet Basil) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’ (Sweet Basil) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone