Genovese basil

Ocimum basilicum## HOW TO GROW BASIL Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, plant out 1 week after frost. In warmer climates, directly sow in a sunny location when soil temps are above 60-65˚F, tender annual. Requires bottom heat. If evening greenhouse air temperatures dip below 50˚F, domed clear covering may be needed to initiate germination, then remove covering. Pinch branch buds to encourage further branching, leaf production and prevent bolting. Dry herb bunches by hanging from ceiling or lay on screens in a dark, dry, ventilated location. Harvest for drying at peak maturity when flowers are just beginning to appear, leaves contain the most essential oils at that time, after that oils are transferred to flowers and then to seeds. Soil pH 5.1-8.5. Hardiness zones 7-11. Annual.Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 22,400 seeds per ounce. There are no Federal germination standards for commercially sold herb seeds. Usual seed life 3-5 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 150 feet.Planting Depth 1/4”Soil Temp. Germ. 70-85˚FDays to Germ. 7-14Plant Spacing 12-18”Row Spacing 18-24”Days To Maturity 68Full Sun, Moist Well Drained   ##Authentic Italian basil from the Genoa province of Italy. Genovese is loved for pesto, excellent for sauces and cooking. Basil aroma means summer is here! Dark green, wide, 3” long spoon-shaped leaves, heavy producer, very aromatic, edible flowers. Tall 24–30” plants. Also known as Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’, sweet or common basil. Tags: Color: Green, Specialty: Bolt Resistant, Specialty: Deer Resistant, Heritage: Heirloom, Season: Summer, Certification: Organic.There are many varieties of basil. The type used in Italian food is called sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) as opposed to Thai basil (O. basilicum thyrsiflora), lemon basil (Ocimum citriodorum) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) which are used in Asian cooking and medicine. Ocimum is derived from the Greek word meaning to smell, like other plants in the mint family with square stems. Basil oils have potent antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Delicious basil recipes.