Basil Seeds (Sweet Genovese)

Sweet Genovese is a large leaved variety of Italian Basil. This aromatic herb is perfect for cooking with and goes extremely well with tomatoes, garlic and in homemade pasta sauces and pestos. Sweet Genovese is the most commonly grown basil variety, it originated in the Mediterranean region but is now grown around the world. It grows particularly well in containers.

Visit the GIY Veg directory for more growing details and tips.

Sow seeds anytime from April to June.

Sow one seed in a module tray or small pot.

Basil likes a Mediterranean climate, so either grow it indoors in a pot, in a glasshouse or a polytunnel, or on a sunny windowsill.

Basil will germinate in about two weeks.

Transplant into a larger pot or the ground when it is about 7–10cm high.

If planting in the garden, allow 30cm between plants.

If growing indoors, fertilise compost once a month with a liquid feed.

Basil plants can be killed by frost, so don’t put outside until June.

Make sure to water often in hot weather.