Italian Basil Genoveser [Ocimum basilicum]

The Italian 'Genoveser' basil is an ancient perennial spice and medicinal plant. The wild form has its origins in tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia. With its typical intense aroma and sweet taste, this variety is the most popular and best known of all basil varieties. It produces large, aromatic leaves that grow quickly and produce high yields when provided with sufficient warmth. The oils in basil have antibiotic and antifungal effects. Smoking the leaves helps with stress and has a relaxing effect. Genovese basil is a key ingredient in Pesto Genovese, a classic Italian pesto.

General information
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 70 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Heart rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, moist, humus, slightly loamy

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-24 °C
Germination time: 5-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Fennel, Pumpkin plants, Chard, Tomato, Apricot, Marigold, Lilie, Asparagus, Tomato
Unfavorable mixed culture: Savory, Balm, Sage, Thyme, Rue, Wormwood, Bulbous zest

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to September.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from April to July.

General
When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible basil leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Basil prefers a sunny and warm location with permeable, nutrient-rich, humus-rich and slightly loamy soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
Cut the tips of the shoots to encourage branching and the emergence of new shoots. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds or cuttings.

Plant care
Regular watering causes faster and more lush leaf growth. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer applications.

Germination ability of seeds: 10 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Ocimum basilicum
English names: Basil
German names: Basilikum, Basilie, Basilienkraut, Königskraut
Portuguese names: Manjericão italiano
Spanish names: Albahaca
French names: Basilic