Basil - Sweet Genovese Herb Seeds

Basil 'Sweet Genovese' is considered to be one of the best varieties of aromatic basil, hailed for its sweet-flavoured leaves and soft texture. Sow seed indoors in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill, and move plants outside in summer.

Sow seed indoors February to June in trays of seed compost, 6mm deep and cover with finely sieved compost or vermiculite. Cover & keep at a temperature of between 18-20C. Keep watered and germination will take place in about 5-10 days. When the seeds have germinated, water sparingly to prevent 'damping off.' Carefully transplant each seedling to a small pot and grow on for 4 weeks. Either transplant into larger pot (about 15cm) or into garden, spacing plants every 25cm apart, in rows 25cm apart. Only plant in garden when all threat of frost has passed - late May to early June. Alternatively sow direct in soil when night time temperatures are above 13C, June time, but the greenhouse method is more successful.

This herb is easy to grow and makes a good container plant for either inside or outside or in the veg plot. The leaves are aromatic and oval shaped with a pointed end, they are slightly curved inwards concave. It grows to 45cm tall and has a spread of 30cm.

The taste of fresh basil far out weighs that of shop bought as after 3-5 days basil begins to deteriorate, the leaves become floppy and more importantly basil loses it's flavour. It is at it's best when freshly picked and used that day. It is best to crush the leaves to release the aroma.

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.
Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.