Basil Genovese

Sow under cover from March to May for the earliest harvests, or continue successional sowings right through to July for a steady supply of young, tender leaves into autumn.

Basil seeds require light and steady warmth to germinate well. Scatter the seed thinly across the surface of moist, peat-free seed compost in trays or modules. Do not bury the seed; simply press it gently into the surface or dust with a very thin layer of fine compost.

Place in a heated propagator or seal the tray inside a clear plastic bag maintaining a temperature of 20–25°C. Keep the compost consistently damp but never waterlogged. Germination typically takes 7–14 days.

Once the seedlings show their first set of true leaves, prick them out carefully by handling only the leaves (never the fragile stems). Pot them on into individual 7–9 cm pots filled with rich, well-draining compost. Grow them on in bright, warm conditions with good air circulation.

Basil is tender and dislikes cold, wet conditions. Harden off plants gradually before planting outside, ensuring all risk of frost has passed. Choose a sheltered spot that receives full sun, a greenhouse or polytunnel gives the heaviest yields, but a sunny, sheltered patio or raised bed works well.

Always water around the base of the plant in the morning rather than over the foliage, keeping the leaves dry to prevent damping off and fungal issues.

When plants are 15 cm tall, pinch out the central growing tip to encourage bushy, multi-stemmed growth. Harvest outer leaves regularly or snip stems just above a leaf node to stimulate fresh side shoots. Remove any emerging flower spikes promptly to direct all the plant’s energy into leafy, aromatic growth.