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Genovese Basil Seeds – Classic Italian Heirloom for Pesto, Sauces & Fresh Culinary Use

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$2.99 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Bring authentic Italian flavor to your kitchen with Genovese Basil Seeds, the beloved heirloom variety prized for its rich aroma and tender, deep green leaves. Known as the classic pesto basil, this plant delivers the sweet, slightly spicy flavor that defines Mediterranean cuisine.

Whether you’re growing in an outdoor herb garden, a sunny kitchen window, or a patio container, Genovese Basil is simple to cultivate and quick to reward with lush, fragrant foliage. Ideal for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike, this variety thrives in warm weather and adapts well to container or hydroponic setups.

Classic Italian Flavor, Homegrown Freshness:

  • Large, tender leaves perfect for pesto, pasta, and salads.
  • Signature basil aroma enhances sauces, soups, and marinades.
  • Compact, bushy growth suited to small spaces or containers.
  • Fast-growing and easy to maintain for gardeners of all levels.

Why Customers Love Genovese Basil:

  • Trusted heirloom with authentic Italian flavor.
  • Ideal for fresh use or drying for year-round cooking.
  • Excellent germination and high leaf yield.
  • Attracts pollinators and adds fragrance to any garden.

How to Grow:

  • Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost or sow directly outdoors once temperatures stay above 60°F.
  • Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in well-draining soil and keep evenly moist.
  • Provide full sunlight (6–8 hours daily).
  • Harvest leaves frequently to encourage branching and delay flowering.

Harvest & Use:
Snip fresh leaves as needed, or trim full stems for abundant harvests. Perfect for homemade pesto, tomato dishes, infused oils, and Italian sauces. To store, air-dry or freeze leaves to preserve their flavor all season long.

Net Wt. 500MG

Heirloom Herb Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Ocimum basilicum, Genovese
  • Seasonality
    Annual
  • Planting Zones
    3-11
  • Light
    Full Sun
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    70 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    10-21 Days
  • Planting Depth
    1/4 Inch
  • Plant Size
    18-24 Inches Tall, Up to 20 Inch Spread
  • Days to Bloom or Harvest
    60-70 Days
  • Growing Instructions
    Best started indoors and transplanted after the last frost. Can also be grown entirely indoors with sufficient light. Begin to harvest after 6-8 leaves have formed. Prune frequently and pinch off flowers to encourage bushiness and prolong harvest. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Collect brown and spent flower heads and allow them to dry in a warm spot. Crush dried flowers over a fine mesh strainer to separate seeds from flowers. Label and store seeds in a dry dark spot for up to 5 years.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    337 to 400

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Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our farmer seeds. All of our garden seeds for sale are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

In what zones can I grow your seeds?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these gardening seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.