Basil Sweet Genovese

Sweet Genovese Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is a standard culinary variety, a half hardy annual that grows to 40cm. This aromatic herb has many culinary uses, especially in Mediterranean dishes.

Basil thrives in a rich, well-drained soil, in a warm and sheltered position. Pick the leaves as required, which are best used fresh. Pinch out the tip of the main stem to encourage bushy growth or prevent plants from flowering.

How to sow and grow Basil

Sow indoors from March 0.5cm deep in good quality soil. We plant several seeds per pot. The plants can be potted up and placed on a kitchen window or we will plant some in 1 or 2 litre pots and grow on as a companion plant to tomatoes in the greenhouse.

The plants can be grown outdoors from late May when the risk of frost has past at a space of 30cm apart. They are best grown in well-drained soil in a sheltered place in the garden.

Sow direct in drills, when the soil has warmed up in May and then thin to 30 cm spacing.

Can be grown all year round on the windowsill.

For detailed growing instructions and ideas of which Basil varieties to grow click here