- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 18 - 24 Inches
- Mature Spread 12 - 15 Inches
- Growing Zones 8 - 10
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 |
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
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.