Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese' (Sweet Basil)
Sweet Basil 'Genovese', Genovese Basil
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 fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Water freely in summer. Provide a sheltered site. Basil is extremely frost sensitive.
- Harvest mature leaves for fresh use at any time. To dry the leaves, hang out of direct light, then store in an airtight container in a cool place.
- Keep an eye out for leafhoppers, aphids, slugs, snails and powdery mildews. Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Pinch out flower heads to promote bushy plant growth and to extend the plant’s productive life.
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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 | Ocimum - Basils |
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 – 37cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
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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.
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 | Ocimum - Basils |
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 – 37cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |