Basil 'Classic Italian' Seeds (Genovese)

Ocimum basilicum, specifically the large-leaved Genovese type, is the king of herbs. There is simply no comparison between a supermarket pot that wilts in a day and a vigorous, homegrown plant raised from seed.

This variety produces lush, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves that are packed with aromatic oils. One brush against the foliage releases that sweet, peppery, aniseed clove scent that instantly makes you think of warm Italian evenings, fresh pesto, and tomato salads.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Classic Italian' Basil

We believe every gardener should grow a pot of basil, even if you only have a windowsill. It is the ultimate "cut-and-come-again" herb. The more you harvest the leaves for your cooking, the more the plant produces.

It is also a fantastic companion plant. In a cottage garden or potager, it acts as a great neighbour to other plants, deterring pests with its strong oils. Plus, if you let it flower late in the season, the tiny white spikes are absolutely covered in bees.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Tender Annual?

Basil is a Tender Annual.

This is the most important rule of growing basil: it hates the cold. It originates from tropical climates and will turn black and die if touched by frost or even just a cold draught. It completes its life cycle in one season. You sow it in the warmth of spring, enjoy it all summer, and say goodbye to it when the nights draw in.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Basil is easy to grow, provided you give it heat and don't drown it!

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors from March to May. The seeds need warmth (20°C+) to germinate. A sunny windowsill or a propagator is ideal. Sow them on the surface of moist compost and cover with a very thin dusting of vermiculite (they need a little light to wake up). Do not bury them deep.

Where to Sow:
Always start basil in pots or modules. Do not plant them outside until June when the soil is properly warm. They thrive best in pots where you can control the water, or in a greenhouse/polytunnel.

Care While Growing (The Pinching Trick):
This is the secret to big plants: Once your seedling has 3 or 4 pairs of true leaves, pinch off the very top tip of the stem. This stops it growing straight up and forces it to grow two side shoots. Do this again a few weeks later, and you will have a huge, bushy plant instead of a thin, leggy one.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if this aromatic herb is the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Basil loves growing alongside flowers that attract beneficial insects to keep the leaves clean. Here are my top pairings from the shop:

• 🟠 Calendula (Pot Marigold): The bright orange of Calendula looks cheerful next to the lush green of Basil. More importantly, Calendula attracts beneficial insects that eat aphids, helping to keep your basil pest-free.
• 🏵️ French Marigolds (Tagetes): The classic "Potager" pairing. Marigolds emit a scent that whitefly (a common basil pest) dislike, making them the perfect bodyguards for your herbs.

📅 Sowing & Harvesting Calendar

Sow little and often for a continuous supply of fresh leaves all summer.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)