Genovese Basil is perhaps the most famous sweet basil variety in the world. Known for its use in pesto, the best Genovese Basil is said to be grown in western Genoa, Italy. So, why is Genovese Basil so special? Its round leaves are dark green and appear more matte than those of its shinier cousin, Common Basil. The taste is also more ‘matte’, if that makes sense – the basil flavour is more concentrated and is somehow less sweet. What is certain is that Genoese people take their beloved baxaicò (as they call it) and their pesto very seriously; Genovese Basil has even gained DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) status from the Italian Government.
LATIN NAME
Ocimum basilicum
NAME
Basil
VARIETY
Italiano Classico (Genovese)
QUANTITY
120 seeds
PLANT SIZE
Height 40 cm
Width 20 cm
CONTAINER SIZE
Height 20 cm
Width 20 cm
COMPANION PLANT
Tomatoes, peppers, oregano, parsley, garlic chives, alpine strawberries