Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
The quintessential culinary basil is the Genovese type known as Green Basil Plant. The large, deep green leaves have a spicy floral smell and taste that no other herb can substitute. Genovese will produce fresh leaves from late spring through early fall. Basil is perfect for growing in containers and attracts beneficial pollinators when left to flower. Successional planting of young basil plants every two weeks will provide leaves for fresh use until the end of summer.
Genovese Basil Care
Plant basil in the garden when all danger of frost has passed in the spring. Basil enjoys warm soil and full sun exposure. Space plants 6 inches apart on center and add 1-2 inches of organic compost to the soil prior to planting. Well-draining soil is essential to keep the roots from rotting. A mulch of loose straw or perlite (in a container) will help keep the basil stems dry and free from pests and diseases such as gray mold. Keep the plants deadheaded to encourage bushier foliage growth.
Growing Genovese Basil
Genovese Basil is harvestable at 68 days from seeding, or when multiple sets of true leaves exist. Growing Basil in the greenhouse is a great way to extend the harvest. Regular watering is crucial for container-grown plants. Basil can grow on a window sill with a southern exposure over winter.
Plant basil in a soil-based potting mix that has added perlite or vermiculite for good drainage. Basil mixes well with other annuals in mixed containers and when left to flower, is a great attractor of beneficial pollinators. The white flower spikes can grow to 6-7 inches long and even make good cut flowers for the vase.
Watering Genovese Basil
Basil requires consistent watering with 1 inch of water per week. Ideally, the watering sessions should be evenly spaced throughout the week to maintain lightly moist soil at all times. Container-grown pots will need watering every day.
Feeding Genovese Basil
Basil is a hungry plant and will benefit from a balanced fertilizer. A balanced NPK ratio will support foliage growth and a healthy root system. Feed basil in the garden or a pot every two weeks with a diluted liquid feed.
Green Basil Plant Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 - 10 |
| Plant Type: Edible Plants |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 18 - 24 Inches |
| Mature Spread: 12 - 15 Inches |
| Mature Spacing: 12 - 15 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): White |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: Summer Bloom |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
| Tolerates: Heat |
| Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Containers |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest |
| Brand: Sarahs Superb Herbs |
| Common Name: Green Basil Plant |
| Other Name(s): Green Basil |
| Scientific Name: Ocimum b. 'Genovese' - Green Basil |
- SKU:
- 1231002111-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
3.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
~1.42 quarts
Also Known As:
4.25" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.93"H x 4.25"W
Volume:
~1.56 pints
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
~1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
~2.26-3.73 quarts
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All annuals, houseplants & vegetables, we provide a 30-day warranty to ensure that your plants thrive.
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
| Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | March 31th |
| Zone 9 | March 31st |
| Zone 8 | April 7th |
| Zone 7 | April 14th |
| Zone 6b | April 21st |
| Zone 6a | April 28th |
| Zone 5b | May 5th |
| Zone 5a | May 12th |
| Zone 4 | May 19th |
| Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!