Basil Red Genovese

Basil Red Genovese Seeds: Flavorful Leaves

Discover the culinary delight of Basil Red Genovese (*Ocimum basilicum*), a beautiful variety that produces large, flavorful leaves on a lush and vibrant plant.

This selection showcases marvelous dark red to deep purple foliage, providing a striking contrast in your garden beds, herb gardens, and mixed containers. In mid-summer, it produces delicate white flowers that add to its charm.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Red Genovese Basil offers delicious leaves with a robust basil flavor, perfect for fresh eating in salads, enhancing pasta and rice dishes, or as a versatile seasoning. Its upright growth habit makes it an excellent “thriller” in container combinations, adding both height and rich color.

Key Features of Red Genovese Basil

• Marvelous Dark Red-Purple Leaves: Provides stunning visual contrast in the garden.
• Large & Flavorful Leaves: Perfect for a wide range of culinary uses.
• Lush Plant Growth: Produces an abundant amount of aromatic foliage.
• White Flowers: Adds delicate beauty in mid-summer and attracts pollinators.
• Great for Mixed Containers: Its upright habit makes it ideal as a centerpiece.
• Versatile Garden Use: Suitable for herb gardens and annual beds.

Growing Your Red Genovese Basil

Basil Red Genovese is a fast-growing annual that thrives in full sunlight and prefers average to moist conditions, so avoid letting it dry out. Space individual plants approximately 12 inches apart when planting in masses.

While adaptable to various soil types and pH levels, enriching the soil will promote best growth. You can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting outside at 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit or direct sow once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds shallowly and keep the soil consistently moist.

Transplant seedlings or thin direct-sown plants to the recommended spacing. Regularly harvest leaves by pinching off the top sets to encourage bushier growth and prolong the harvest.

This variety can also be propagated by cuttings. Consider its suitability for outdoor pots and containers, remembering that container-grown plants may require more frequent watering.