GENOVESE BASIL STARTS

Genovese Basil is celebrated as the premier herb for making pesto and enhancing garlic-flavored dishes. These robust plants grow up to knee height and can provide 7-8 cuttings in a single season. The medium-sized, dark green leaves, measuring 2 to 3 inches in length, have a strong, spicy aroma and flavor. This variety is slow to bolt, ensuring a longer harvest season. Water regularly but avoid overwatering.

Genovese Basil hails from the Italian provinces of Genoa, Savona, and Imperia, where it is the traditional choice for pesto. However, basil originally grew in India and ancient Persia and has been revered throughout history. Ancient legends attributed basil with spiritual and healing properties. In many cultures, it symbolizes love and was often given as a token of affection or engagement, while others saw it as a symbol of protection and truth. Conversely, Greek and Roman traditions linked basil with hate and misfortune, leading gardeners to shout at their plants, believing it would encourage growth. Basil’s reputation was mixed, with some claiming it had medicinal benefits and others believing it was poisonous. English royalty embraced basil for both culinary and cosmetic uses, earning it the nickname “the king of herbs.” Basil’s pleasant fragrance made it a favorite in gardens, bouquets, and homes for air freshening. Medicinally, basil oil has been used for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, colds, sore throats, and insect bites. However, medicinal doses are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is considered safe.

Transplanting Seedlings:

1. Timing: Transplant Genovese Basil seedlings in outdoors in Pendleton once the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. Basil thrives in warm weather and will not tolerate frost.
2. Preparation: Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter before transplanting. Ensure the site gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
3. Spacing: Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart to promote good air circulation and healthy growth. Rows should be spaced 18-24 inches apart for ease of care and harvesting.
4. Planting Depth: Gently remove the seedlings from their pots, keeping the root ball intact. Place each seedling in the ground at the same depth it was growing in its container.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after transplanting. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as basil prefers well-drained conditions.
6. Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
7. Pruning: Pinch off the top leaves about two weeks after transplanting to encourage bushier growth and prevent premature flowering. Regularly removing flower buds will extend the harvest season.

Growing: Basil flourishes in well-drained soil and requires frequent watering. Protect the plants if temperatures drop below 50°F. Regular pruning encourages bushy, healthy growth and delays flowering, which can lead to the plant’s decline. To prune, remove the top sets of leaves from each stem, leaving at least three sets of leaves on the lower portion to maintain plant health.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting basil leaves once the plants reach 6-8 inches in height. The ideal time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. Regular harvesting stimulates further growth, but once the plant begins to flower, the leaves may develop a bitter flavor. Pick single leaves or portions of a stem as needed, always leaving at least three sets of leaves on the stem for continued growth. Pinch off stems just above the next set of leaves for best results. Fresh basil can be stored for several days at room temperature with the stems in water. Refrigeration may cause the leaves to wilt or turn brown. Basil also freezes and dries well. Due to its high water content, drying basil is best done using a dehydrator, an oven, or another warm, dry environment to prevent molding.

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Green

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Aromatic