Genova Basil - Seeds

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Genova Basil - Seeds

$2.48 AUD

Genova Basil is a type of basil with large, dark green leaves, a slightly savoy texture and a strong flavour and aroma.

It has a strong aromatic fragrance, making it a great addition to many dishes and drinks! Grow Basil hydroponically in your indoor grow kits to save time, water, and stress!

These seeds form a gel when coming into contact with water (so don’t be alarmed if they’re turning white!). After a few days they’ll begin to sprout, releasing two ‘baby leaves’ which will grow rather slowly but don’t panic! After about a week these will give way to ‘true leaves’, much larger mature leaves that look much more recognisable, which will shoot up into a lush bunch of fresh, homegrown, organic basil!

Harvesting: once your plants have around 3-5 mature leaves you’re ready to start eating! Pick the leaves at the stem continually, leaving the top few leaves untouched (this promotes healthy growth!)

Basil goes well with a number of things, sprinkle it through spaghetti or try using it in a homemade pesto or fresh summer cocktail!!

Ready to plant? Start your seeds in our Grodan rockwool cubes, feed them with our hydroponic nutrients for herbs and leafy greens, or grab a re-plant pack with both at a better price. For a full walkthrough, read how to grow Genovese basil indoors.

Scientific name Ocimum basilicum
Lifespan Annual
Tips The seeds form a white gel when they meet water, which is completely normal. Start harvesting once your plants have 3 to 5 mature leaves.

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questions about the Genova Basil - Seeds

Quick answers before you buy. Still unsure? Our Sydney team is happy to help.

1 year warrantyIf anything goes wrong in the first year, we'll arrange a repair, replacement or refund.
see all FAQs

How much of my plant can I harvest without killing it?

Wait until the plant has three sets of true leaves (the ones that look like the mature plant, not the first seed leaves). Then use sharp scissors to cut the top of the main stem at a 45 degree angle.

Basil can be harvested again and again, and often grows faster with regular light trims. Lettuce is best harvested all at once, or pick the outer leaves and let the centre keep growing.

How long do seeds take to germinate?

Most seeds show signs of life within 3 to 7 days, depending on the plant and how warm your home is. Typical germination times for our seeds:

  • Genovese basil: 5 to 10 days
  • Coriander: 7 to 10 days
  • Cos lettuce: 7 to 14 days
  • Dill: 7 to 21 days
  • Rocket: 7 to 21 days

Why are my basil seeds turning white?

That is completely normal. Basil seeds form a white gel when they meet water. After a few days they sprout two baby leaves, followed by true leaves about a week later.

How do I keep my basil healthy and bushy?

Basil starts slowly, then takes off around weeks 4 to 5. It likes mild, slightly humid conditions, which can be tricky in winter. Prune it regularly by trimming the main stem just above a pair of leaves: this keeps it bushy and delays flowering.

Read our full guide to growing Genovese basil indoors.

Warranty & returns

We offer change of mind returns on all products, and a 1 year warranty on all electrical goods. We're also so confident in your success, that we have a 60 day seed guarantee, and will replace any seeds that don't grow free of charge!

Buying with Gathera gives you access to our community and all our range of special resources to help you grow:

  • Access to our community page.
  • Horticulture experts on hand to help you out.
  • You're buying into an ecosystem – need to replace a pump, light, netcup or other component? We have replacements available so that you don't have to ditch your whole system when one small thing breaks..
  • We sell the stuff you need to feed your gardens - nutrients, seeds, growth mediums.
  • Comprehensive FAQs.