{"product_id":"basil-classic-italian","title":"Basil Classic Italian","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eBasil 'Classic Italian' Seeds (Genovese)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRead More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e🌿 Understanding the Plant\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet Basil is a \u003cstrong\u003eTender Annual\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Genovese\" Standard:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eee; margin: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrucial Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Basil seeds need \u003cstrong\u003elight\u003c\/strong\u003e to germinate. Do not bury them deep!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSow indoors from \u003cstrong\u003eMarch to May\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlant out only in \u003cstrong\u003eJune\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare While Growing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water in the morning, at the base. Avoid wetting the leaves at night as basil is prone to mildew.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Pinch\":\u003c\/strong\u003e When seedlings have 3 sets of leaves, pinch off the top tip. This forces the plant to bush out, giving you double the harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eee; margin: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e📋 Plant Specifications\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLatin Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eOcimum basilicum\u003c\/em\u003e (Genovese)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eSweet Basil \/ Italian Basil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eH1c\u003c\/strong\u003e (Very Tender - needs heat)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Required\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eFull Sun ☀️\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e↕️ 30cm - 45cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpread\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e↔️ 30cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e🌱 20cm apart\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreat for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e🍝 Pesto \u0026amp; Pasta\u003cbr\u003e🍅 Tomato Companion\u003cbr\u003e🏡 Indoor Pots\u003cbr\u003e🥗 Salads\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eApprox. 500 seeds per packet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eee; margin: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e🤝 Perfect Garden Companions\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasil is the ultimate \"Companion Plant\" for the vegetable garden:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: none; padding-left: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1.3em;\"\u003e🍅\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #005bd3;\" title=\"Tomato Seeds\" href=\"\/products\/tomato-gardener-s-delight-seeds\"\u003eTomatoes:\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1.3em;\"\u003e🌼\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #005bd3;\" title=\"Tagetes Seeds\" href=\"\/products\/tagetes-linnaeus-burning-embers-seeds\"\u003eTagetes (French Marigold):\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eee; margin: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e📅 Sowing \u0026amp; Harvesting Calendar\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSow indoors Spring. Harvest Summer to Autumn.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; min-width: 300px;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: left; position: sticky; left: 0; background-color: #f4f4f4; z-index: 10; max-width: 100px;\"\u003eMonth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eJ\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eF\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eM\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eA\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eM\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eJ\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eJ\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eA\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eS\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eO\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eN\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eD\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; position: sticky; left: 0; background-color: #fff; z-index: 10; font-size: 0.9em;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSow Indoors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #d4edda;\"\u003e🟢\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #d4edda;\"\u003e🟢\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #d4edda;\"\u003e🟢\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; position: sticky; left: 0; background-color: #fff; z-index: 10; font-size: 0.9em;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #f8d7da;\"\u003e✂️\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #f8d7da;\"\u003e✂️\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #f8d7da;\"\u003e✂️\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #f8d7da;\"\u003e✂️\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #fff3cd; border: 1px solid #ffeeba; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px; margin-top: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ The Pesto Secret\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe best flavour is in the leaves \u003cstrong\u003ebefore\u003c\/strong\u003e 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: 30px; text-align: center; padding: 20px; background-color: #f4f9f4; border-radius: 8px; border: 1px solid #dce7dc;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53242147537223,"sku":"BSL-CLC","price":2.34,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0859\/7051\/8343\/files\/2048800ebc88296e5de6670_upscale.jpg?v=1769705166","url":"https:\/\/naturalgrower.co.uk\/products\/basil-classic-italian","provider":"Natural Grower","version":"1.0","type":"link"}