Non GMO, Open Pollinated, 50 - 90 Days To Maturity.
Planting Instructions:
You want to give basil room to grow so spacing every 9 - 12" is important. It prefers moist, fertile, and well drained soil. Direct sow or start indoors 4 - 6 weeks before last frost.
Basil is a warm-weather crop grown both indoors and out. Plant 4-6 seeds .25" deep per cell or 3-4" apart in the garden in moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Germinates in 5-10 days, thinning back to 1-2 plants per pot or every 9-12" in the garden as true leaves establish. Harden off*seedlings if transplanting outside. Harvest, prune, and pinch regularly to encourage growth.
Care:
When the plant is approximately 8" tall, pinch the stem back by about half and just slightly above a leaf axil. This will encourage the plant to branch out and grow more leaves giving you a bigger harvest. Continue to pinch the new stems in the same manner.
Basil likes rich well-drained soil, it likes moisture but doesn't like to have wet feet.
Basil is a great companion plant with other herbs and vegetables because it will help repel many pests. It's particularly effective with tomatoes.
History:
Genovese is a sweet basil heirloom native to the Italian provinces of Genoa, Savona, and Imperia; while locals are decided that true Genovese hails from the Genoa district of Pra'. Sweet basil is preferred in Italian cuisine because it lacks the "minty" notes as found in more aggressive cultivars, allowing for more bold, savory notes to highlight the dish.
Approx: 200 Seeds
*Harden Off - Hardening off plants is the process of gradually acclimating indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions such as sunlight, wind, temperature changes and differences in humidity. This generally takes one to two weeks before permanently transplanting. This involves moving plants outside for short periods, then increasing exposure daily, bringing them back in at night until they are fully accustomed to the elements.
