THE pesto basil and the most widely grown herb in American home gardens. Named for Genoa, Italy. Large, cupped, glossy leaves with intense sweet-spicy aroma dominated by linalool and eugenol. Productive 60-70 days from seed and continuously for 3-4 months with proper pinching. A well-maintained plant yields 2-3 cups packed leaves per major harvest — approximately 1 cup pesto. Most susceptible to downy mildew. Pinching protocol is the single most impactful management task.
At a Glance
Days to Maturity
60–70 days
Sun
6+ hours
6-8 hours full sun
Spacing
12–18 "
Seed Start
6–8 weeks
before transplant
Container
Yes
1+ gallon pot
Height
1.5–2 ft
Zone Planting Guide
Growing Guide
Germination
Germination Time5–10 days
Optimal Temp80°F
Seed Depth0.25"
Transplanting
Min Soil Temp70°F
Harden Off7 days
Watering
Weekly Water1–1.5 "
NeedsConsistent
MethodBase watering preferred.
Soil
pH Range6–7
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained
Resilience
Heat: ModerateCold: Very-lowDrought: Low
Common Problems
basil-downy-mildew
Cause: Peronospora belbahrii. Airborne spores. Thrives 60-80°F with high humidity. Can devastate a planting in 7-10 days.
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering. Maximize air circulation (wider spacing). Remove infected plants immediately. Use resistant varieties in humid zones 6a-9b.
fusarium-wilt
Cause: Fusarium oxysporum. Soilborne — persists for years.
Prevention: Crop rotation (4 years). Container growing with fresh potting mix eliminates risk. Resistant varieties where available.
bolting
Cause: Heat stress, water stress, maturity. Once flowering begins, leaf quality drops — smaller, tougher, bitter off-notes.
Prevention: Pinching protocol. Consistent watering. Harvest before buds open.
japanese-beetles
Cause: Skeletonized leaves. Peak June-August.
Prevention: Handpick into soapy water. Neem oil. Row cover during peak beetle season.
Common sage
Different water needs (sage prefers dry).
Sources
university
Utah State Extension — Basil in the Garden
university
Cornell — Basil Downy Mildew
university
Rutgers — Basil DM Resistant Varieties
seed_catalog
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Planting dates for Genovese Basil vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.
