Bramley & Sage Sweet Genovese Basil Seeds – approx. 50 seeds pp.

Grow the classic taste of Italy with our Sweet Genovese Basil Seeds, the ultimate choice for fresh, aromatic basil. Renowned for its large, vibrant green leaves and signature sweet flavour, Genovese basil is a must-have for herb gardens, kitchens, and culinary enthusiasts. Perfect for pesto, pasta, salads, and more, this basil variety is both versatile and easy to grow.

Genovese basil produces vigorous, large leaves that are both sweet and slightly spicey in flavour and can grow up to 8cm in length. The basil plants themselves can be expected to grow 18-24 inches in height and will produce fuller, more bushy plants if the tips are pinched regularly and plant is not allowed to flower.

SOW: Start the seeds 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost (typically February–March in cooler climates) to give them a head start. Once all danger of frost has passed (usually in late spring), you can sow directly into the garden.

HARVEST: Basil is usually ready for its first harvest about 4–6 weeks after transplanting outdoors, or approximately 8–10 weeks from sowing.

LIGHT: Sweet Genovese basil thrives with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

WATERING: Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry. In hot, dry weather, this might mean watering every 2–3 days. Be sure to use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

SOIL: Use a rich, well-draining, loamy or sandy-loam soil, enriched with organic matter (such as compost or well-rotted manure).

PLANT SIZE: With proper care, Sweet Genovese basil typically grows to a bushy plant about 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) tall.

TOP TIPS: For best flavour, harvest leaves before the plant begins to flower and pinch off the tops regularly to encourage bushy growth.

DISH TO TRY: Classic Basil Pesto – delicious!