Basil Classic Italian
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Description
Basil 'Classic Italian' Seeds (Genovese)
'Classic Italian' (Genovese) is the definitive culinary basil. It produces large, lush, spoon-shaped leaves with that intoxicating, sweet-peppery aroma that instantly makes you think of Italy.
This is the variety you need for tearing over fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, or blending into a vibrant green pesto. Unlike the small, hardy supermarket pots that give up after a week, growing your own from seed gives you robust, bushy plants that you can harvest from all summer long.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Sweet Basil is a Tender Annual.
It originates from tropical regions, so it absolutely adores heat and hates cold, wet feet. It grows rapidly in the warm summer months and has soft, tender leaves that bruise easily, releasing their oils.
The "Genovese" Standard: There are many types of basil (lemon, Thai, Greek), but Genovese is the giant among them, bred specifically for large leaves and a balanced sweet flavour without bitterness.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
Crucial Tip: Basil seeds need light to germinate. Do not bury them deep!
Germination:
Sow indoors from March to May. Scatter seeds onto the surface of moist compost and cover with a very fine dusting of vermiculite. Keep warm (20-25°C) on a sunny windowsill. Germination takes 7-14 days.
Where to Sow:
Plant out only in June when nights are warm. It needs a sheltered, sunny spot or a greenhouse. It is arguably the best herb for growing on a kitchen windowsill year-round.
Care While Growing:
Watering: Water in the morning, at the base. Avoid wetting the leaves at night as basil is prone to mildew.
The "Pinch": When seedlings have 3 sets of leaves, pinch off the top tip. This forces the plant to bush out, giving you double the harvest.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Ocimum basilicum (Genovese) |
| Common Name | Sweet Basil / Italian Basil |
| Hardiness | H1c (Very Tender - needs heat) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 30cm - 45cm |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 20cm apart |
| Great for | 🍝 Pesto & Pasta 🍅 Tomato Companion 🏡 Indoor Pots 🥗 Salads |
| Seed Count | Approx. 500 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
Basil is the ultimate "Companion Plant" for the vegetable garden:
- 🍅 Tomatoes: The Culinary Couple. They go together on the plate and in the soil. Growing basil near tomatoes is said to improve the tomato flavour, and the strong scent of the basil confuses pests like whitefly.
- 🌼 Tagetes (French Marigold): The Bodyguard. Basil is prone to aphids. Planting marigolds nearby attracts hoverflies and ladybirds which eat the aphids, keeping your pesto leaves clean and organic.
📅 Sowing & Harvesting Calendar
Sow indoors Spring. Harvest Summer to Autumn.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Indoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||||
| Harvest | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ | ✂️ |
⚠️ The Pesto Secret
The best flavour is in the leaves before the plant flowers. Harvest regularly (pinch the tips) to prevent flower spikes forming. If it does flower, the leaves can become slightly bitter—though the white flowers themselves are edible!
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
This is a true kitchen staple. While tender, it is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow from seed, offering superior flavour and volume compared to shop-bought plants.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
Be a smarter gardener
Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
Embrace sustainability
Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
