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Genovese basil, also known as Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese', is a renowned variety of basil with a rich history rooted in Italian cuisine. Originating from the Genoa region of Italy, this basil has been a staple in Mediterranean cooking for centuries. Characterized by its large, dark green leaves and robust, aromatic flavor, Genovese basil is prized for its sweet, slightly spicy taste with hints of clove and anise. The plant typically grows to about 12 to 24 inches in height, featuring a bushy, upright growth habit that makes it ideal for garden beds and containers. Genovese basil's foliage is its main attraction, as it remains vibrant and lush throughout the growing season. The plant usually begins to flower in mid to late summer, producing small, white or pale purple flower spikes, although the primary harvest is focused on the flavorful leaves. Genovese basil thrives in warm, sunny environments with well-drained soil and regular watering, making it a favorite among gardeners and chefs for its culinary versatility and aromatic qualities. With its rich heritage, outstanding flavor, and vigorous growth, Genovese basil is an essential herb in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
The Large Leaf Italian Basil produces large, light green leaves that offers an excellent aroma to any meal, soup or sauce! This variety is our most popular basil plant. The Large Leaf Italian is a prolific plant that produces very large leaves with some that can even cover a slice of bread! This variety is sweeter than the Genovese basil, and produces an attractive, bushy plant with its very popular, aromatic leaves.
The Sweet Genovese Basil is a popular Italian variety that is prized for its large leaves, wonderful aroma and spicy flavor. If you are making pesto, than this is the basil for you! This basil variety's plants will grow to be 18-24” tall. Make successive sowings for a steady supply and make sure to dry or freeze some for winter use! Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.
The Culinary Blend is the perfect basil blend for a kitchen herb garden, as it offers both sweet and savory types of basil. This delicious blend contains: Genovese, Corsican, Lemon and Lime basil. Enjoy this mix for drying, freezing or using fresh!
Siam Queen basil is a remarkable variety distinguished by its lush, dark green leaves and vibrant purple stems. This Thai basil cultivar is celebrated for its bold, aromatic flavor, which combines hints of anise and clove, making it a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. The plant grows vigorously, reaching maturity in about 75 days, and is known for its attractive, glossy foliage and delicate purple flower spikes that add an extra touch of elegance to the garden. Siam Queen basil’s robust flavor profile and striking appearance make it ideal for adding depth to dishes like curries, stir-fries, and soups, while its relatively quick growth makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking a flavorful and visually appealing herb.
Dolce Fresca basil seeds produce a compact, modern Genovese-type basil developed through contemporary breeding to deliver classic Italian basil flavor in a more controlled, uniform plant. Sometimes referred to as Dolce Fresca Genovese or compact sweet basil, this variety is prized for its glossy, deep-green leaves, dense growth habit, and exceptional aroma, making it ideal for containers, raised beds, and small gardens. Plants typically reach about 10–14 inches tall and produce broad, tender leaves with a rich, sweet flavor perfect for pesto, fresh sauces, and garnishes. For best results, sow seeds after the danger of frost has passed or start indoors 4–6 weeks early, transplanting once nights are warm. Grow Dolce Fresca basil in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil, water consistently, and pinch regularly to encourage bushy growth and delay flowering. 2015 All American Selection winner.
The Lemon Basil is a very attractive and deliciously fragrant basil plant that offers such great smelling light green leaves! This variety's small, beautiful fragrant leaves on its compact plants delightfully combine the flavors of lemon and basil. The Lemon Basil is an excellent choice for fresh or dried use.
Dark Opal basil seeds produce a striking variety of basil known for its deep purple leaves and aromatic qualities. This cultivar has roots in the Mediterranean, where basil has been treasured for centuries for its culinary and medicinal uses. Dark Opal basil's leaves are not only visually stunning but also boast a slightly spicy, clove-like flavor that enhances a wide range of dishes, from salads to pasta. The plants typically grow 12-24 inches tall and have a bushy, compact form, making them ideal for containers and garden beds. Dark Opal basil thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering to maintain its vibrant color and flavor. With a growing season of about 60-90 days, leaves can be harvested throughout the summer, with peak flavor before flowering. This variety not only serves as a delicious culinary herb but also adds ornamental beauty to gardens, attracting pollinators while deterring pests. Its unique color and robust flavor make Dark Opal basil a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.
The classic Genovese basil with extra disease resistance. A fast growing basil with long glossy, dark green leaves. Great for fields, greenhouses and container gardening. (CG1) Cut Genovese 1.
The Spicy Bush Basil is a very bushy basil variety that produces tiny, bright green leaves that have a big spicy, sweet punch! This variety's small green plants resemble compact boxwood bushes with a beautiful round top.
The Aroma 2 Basil produces beautiful glossy, dark green leaves with a strong flavor that is definitely many chefs favorite! This Genovese type of basil has 3" leaves that are slow to bolt. Certified Organic. Learn more about our organic seeds.
The Thai Basil is a highly ornamental and fragrant variety that produces deep green leaves with beautiful purple stems and blossoms. This variety has a distinctive flavor combination of cloves and mint with a delicate sweetness. You can use both its leaves and flowers in recipes as well as a garnish.
The Mrs. Burns Basil is a customer favorite that is known for its deliciously sweet and tangy lemon-lime flavor and scent! This popular basil variety has many wonderful culinary uses. The Mrs. Burns blooms pinky blooms that add a beautiful pop of color.
A general use Genovese basil plant that is great for fresh market and live-plant production. Dark green leaves with Genovese aroma. Semi-compact plant with excellent disease resistance. (PS5) Potted Small-Leaf 5
The Pistou Basil is a very petite variety with an excellent spicy taste that is delicious as a garnish or made into a sauce. This basil variety produces uniform mid-size, dense green leaves, perfect for growing in small pots. This small, compact plant has a nice, beautiful round body.
Cinnamon basil seeds produce a fragrant herb known for its unique, spicy flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, which is a result of its distinct oil composition. Originating from the Mediterranean region, cinnamon basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon') has been cultivated for centuries, often used in culinary dishes and traditional remedies. The plants typically grow to about 12-24 inches tall, featuring dark green leaves with reddish-purple stems, adding visual appeal to gardens. The leaves are slightly crinkled and can be harvested throughout the growing season, with peak flavor occurring just before the plant flowers. Cinnamon basil thrives in warm, sunny conditions and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for home gardens and containers. Its growth habit is bushy and upright, attracting pollinators while deterring pests. With a growing season of about 60-90 days, cinnamon basil is not only a flavorful addition to dishes like Thai curry and salads but also an attractive herb that enhances any garden space.
The Purple Ruffles Basil is a large, heavily ruffled and fringed dark purple leaf variety with beautiful pink-purple flowers. This All-American Selections winner basil is the perfect pop of color for herb gardens or a flower border. This basil produces a sweet fragrance and flavor that is wonderful as a garnish in salads, soups, pasta or drinks.
Red Rubin basil is a stunning variety that adds both visual appeal and culinary flair to any herb garden. This basil cultivar is renowned for its deep purple, almost red leaves, which stand out beautifully against traditional green herbs. Its striking color is not just for show; it signifies a rich concentration of anthocyanins, giving the leaves their unique hue and adding a subtle hint of spice to their flavor profile. Red Rubin basil offers a slightly more intense, aromatic taste compared to classic green basil, making it a fantastic addition to salads, pesto, and a variety of dishes where a touch of color and a burst of flavor are desired. Beyond its culinary uses, Red Rubin basil is also a visually appealing plant that can enhance garden aesthetics with its vibrant foliage. Additionally, it is easy to grow, thriving in warm, sunny conditions and well-drained soil, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to diversify their herb collection.
