Basil Seeds,
Genovese

Genovese basil thrives in warm weather and should be planted only after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for a head start or sown directly outdoors once the soil has warmed in late spring. Basil performs best in temperatures between 70-85 F, so check your local frost dates for best results. If you're not sure how to do it, refer to our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Scatter seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly, as they require light to germinate. Indoors, use a seed-starting mix and keep the soil consistently moist at 70 to 85°F for optimal germination. Outdoors, prepare a sunny, well-drained garden bed or container and scatter seeds thinly. Thin or transplant seedlings to 8 to 12 inches apart once they are established.

Water the plant consistently to keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer every couple of weeks. Pinch off the growing tips and flower buds regularly to encourage bushy growth and prolong the leaf harvest. While the small white flowers attract pollinators, allowing the plant to flower reduces leaf production, so remove flower buds unless you want to save seeds. Basil pairs well with tomatoes and peppers in companion planting and is also well-suited for containers.

• Flower heads mature progressively from the bottom of the stem to the top.
• When the bottom seed head starts to turn brown, the stem can be cut and allowed to dry away from direct sun in a well-ventilated area.
• Rub dried raceme over a fine wire mesh and winnow off the chaff.
• Place chaff in a bowl and carefully swirl contents around. Seeds will gather at the bottom of the bowl.
• Tip the bowl so that the chaff can be discarded and blow the rest out carefully.