{"product_id":"genovese-basil","title":"Genovese Basil","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"1005\" data-start=\"542\"\u003eGenovese Basil is one of the most beloved basil varieties, known for its bold, aromatic flavour and tender, large leaves. A key ingredient in traditional pesto, this basil is highly prized for its smooth texture and rich, sweet scent. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and is well-suited for both in-ground and container growing, making it an excellent choice for patios, balconies, and greenhouse cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1321\" data-start=\"1007\"\u003eA fast-growing annual, Genovese Basil produces an abundance of leaves throughout the summer and benefits from regular harvesting to encourage new growth. Its fragrant foliage is perfect for fresh salads, tomato dishes, and pasta sauces, while its small white flowers attract beneficial pollinators to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1562\" data-start=\"1323\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1361\" data-start=\"1323\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Genovese Basil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1364\" data-start=\"1361\"\u003eGenovese Basil thrives in Zones 3-9, requiring full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It performs exceptionally well in raised beds, garden borders, and pots where warmth can be maximized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1962\" data-start=\"1564\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1595\" data-start=\"1564\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1598\" data-start=\"1595\"\u003eOriginally from the Mediterranean, Genovese Basil has been cultivated for centuries as a culinary and medicinal herb. It is a staple in Italian cuisine, particularly in Liguria, where it is used to create the region’s famous pesto. In addition to its culinary uses, basil has historically been valued for its purported digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2295\" data-start=\"1964\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1993\" data-start=\"1964\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1996\" data-start=\"1993\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2010\" data-start=\"1996\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in spring after the last frost for continuous summer harvests.\u003cbr data-end=\"2087\" data-start=\"2084\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2101\" data-start=\"2087\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors once temperatures warm.\u003cbr data-end=\"2206\" data-start=\"2203\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2220\" data-start=\"2206\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best grown in containers or greenhouse settings for extended production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2295\" data-start=\"1964\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2341\" data-start=\"2297\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2339\" data-start=\"2297\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Genovese Basil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2758\" data-start=\"2342\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2426\" data-start=\"2342\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2357\" data-start=\"2344\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 3mm (1\/8in) deep, spacing plants 20-30cm (8-12in) apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2494\" data-start=\"2427\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2442\" data-start=\"2429\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2677\" data-start=\"2495\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2512\" data-start=\"2497\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2677\" data-start=\"2517\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2587\" data-start=\"2517\"\u003ePick leaves regularly to promote new growth and prevent flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2677\" data-start=\"2590\"\u003eFor the best flavour, harvest in the morning when essential oils are at their peak.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2758\" data-start=\"2678\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2696\" data-start=\"2680\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinch off flower buds to extend the leaf production period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2800\" data-start=\"2760\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2798\" data-start=\"2760\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3166\" data-start=\"2801\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2881\" data-start=\"2801\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2832\" data-start=\"2803\"\u003eAllow to Flower and Seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let some plants mature and produce seed heads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2971\" data-start=\"2882\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2902\" data-start=\"2884\"\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once seed heads dry and turn brown, collect them before dispersal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3037\" data-start=\"2972\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2992\" data-start=\"2974\"\u003eDry and Clean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove husks and allow seeds to fully dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3166\" data-start=\"3038\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3050\" data-start=\"3040\"\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3320\" data-start=\"3273\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3318\" data-start=\"3294\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3376\" data-start=\"3322\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"3374\" data-start=\"3322\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811205361906,"sku":"MF-HERB-014","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/GenoveseBasilPrimary.jpg?v=1772481924","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/genovese-basil","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}