Fragrant, fast-growing, and a delight in the kitchen, ‘Genovese’ basil is an easily cultivated and rewarding herb for the gardener and cook alike!
It’s the traditional Italian herb used to create the very best pesto. This preferred variety has large, sweet leaves, is slow to bolt in extreme heat, and does not become bitter with age.
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More aromatic than the sweet variety, the large, shiny leaves are a distinct almond shape with a sweet, peppery flavor and notes of anise, cloves, and mint.
The fast-growing plants are frost-tender perennials, commonly grown as annuals. They are ideal for containers or garden beds in any sunny location. And the handsome, deep green leaves release a delightful, spicy fragrance when touched.
Tall spires of white flowers are magnets for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and being an open-pollinated cultivar, seed collection produces plants true to the parent.
It’s also a popular companion plant for vegetables and often used for its pest-repellent or flavor-enhancing properties with plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and root veggies like carrots.
The superb flavor is a natural in many recipes other than pesto, including fish and seafood dishes, pasta, pizza, salads, sauces, and more. Plus, it retains flavor well when frozen.
Fast-growing, flavorful, and fragrant, you’ll love this herb in your garden!
Now, let’s dig into the easy steps on how to grow ‘Genovese’ basil.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What Is Genovese Basil?Also known as heirloom, Italian, or traditional basil, ‘Genovese’ is a cultivar of the sweet
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