{"product_id":"basil-genovese","title":"Basil Genovese","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"750\" data-start=\"197\"\u003eBasil Genovese (Ocimum basilicum) is a classic sweet basil variety, prized for its aromatic, glossy green leaves and distinctive clove-like flavour. Originally from Italy, this heirloom cultivar is the gold standard for authentic pesto and pairs beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil in a variety of Mediterranean dishes. Known for its large, cupped leaves and vigorous growth, Basil Genovese can reach \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e30-35 cm in height, forming a compact yet bushy plant ideal for harvesting throughout the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1205\" data-start=\"752\"\u003eIn South African gardens, Basil Genovese thrives in the warm spring and summer months, requiring full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost. It is best suited to garden beds, raised beds, and containers placed in sheltered areas protected from strong winds and cold snaps. While not frost-hardy, it can be grown year-round in warmer coastal regions or indoors near sunny windows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1571\" data-start=\"1207\"\u003eBasil Genovese is known for its \u003cstrong data-end=\"1254\" data-start=\"1239\"\u003efast growth\u003c\/strong\u003e, with leaves ready to harvest in as little as 30–45 days from sowing. Regular pinching of growing tips encourages denser growth and increased leaf production. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1787\" data-start=\"1573\"\u003eThis beloved variety is essential in culinary gardens, offering flavour, fragrance, and a host of companion planting benefits, making it a must-have for gardeners across all South African provinces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"body-text\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBenefits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEasy to Grow \u0026amp; Maintain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eGrows well in\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003econtainers, raised beds, or directly in the ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eResponds well to frequent harvesting, which promotes bushier growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e Heat-loving and prolific throughout the growing season.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsect Repellant \u0026amp; Pollinator Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e Repels aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and mosquitoes due to its intense aroma.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e Attracts bees and other pollinators when flowering, supporting biodiversity in vegetable gardens.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulinary \u0026amp; Medicinal Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eEssential in\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eItalian dishes, pesto, Caprese salads, sauces, and herbal teas.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eUsed in traditional medicine to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1400\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003eease digestion\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong data-start=\"1400\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003e reduce inflammation\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong data-start=\"1400\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cstrong data-start=\"1400\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003e calm nerves\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eLeaves can be used fresh or dried and infused in oil or vinegar.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNutritional Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eRich in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1564\" data-end=\"1577\"\u003evitamin K\u003c\/strong\u003e (bone and blood health), \u003cstrong data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1616\"\u003evitamin A\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1622\" data-end=\"1635\"\u003evitamin C\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eContains powerful antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, such as eugenol and flavonoids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNatural detoxifier and \u003cstrong\u003esupports\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1789\"\u003eliver health\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"1813\"\u003eimmune function\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHow To Use\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBasil Genovese flourishes under the following conditions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeason\u003c\/strong\u003e: Spring \u0026amp; Summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e: 20-30\u003cspan\u003e°C\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGerminate\u003c\/strong\u003e: 7-14 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDepth\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing\u003c\/strong\u003e: 20x20 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: 60-90 days (Early as 30-45 days)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 30-35 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Season\u003c\/strong\u003e: Late summer (pinch to delay flowering)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Growing Environment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePrefers a well drained \u003ca title=\"Substrate\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/category\/soil\/substrate\"\u003esubstrate\u003c\/a\u003e with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Amendment\" title=\"Amendments\"\u003eamendments\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca title=\"Craft Soil\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Craft%20Soil\"\u003epre-made soil\u003c\/a\u003e containing all the necessary base additives. pH between 6.0 and 7.0.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eKeep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; morning watering recommended.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eUse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Vegetative\" title=\"Vegetative Fertilisers\"\u003eorganic liquid fertiliser\u003c\/a\u003e every 3–4 weeks, or compost-enriched soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePrefers moderate humidity (50–70%). Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBasil Genovese will grow faster if it is regularly harvested.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBasil Genovese plants to retain moisture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for all non-frost South African regions. Not frost-hardy – treat as an annual or grow in pots for indoor overwintering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits \u003c\/strong\u003efrom \u003cstrong\u003ebeing planted alongside \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ca title=\"Tomato Options\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Tomatoes\"\u003etomatoes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Capsicums\" title=\"Capsicum Options\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecapsicums\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Lettuce\" title=\"Lettuce Options\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003elettuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003easparagus \u003c\/strong\u003eand \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/french-marigold\" title=\"French Marigold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emarigolds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntercropping\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pair with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Tomatoes\" title=\"Tomato Options\"\u003etomatoes\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Capsicums\" title=\"Capsicum Options\"\u003ecapsicums\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/broccoli-green-sprouting\" title=\"Broccoli\"\u003ebroccoli\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/strawberry-milan-f1\" title=\"Strawberry Milan F1\"\u003estrawberries\u003c\/a\u003e to deter pests.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrop Rotation\u003c\/strong\u003e: Use as companions or rotate after heavy feeders. Perennials (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/rosemary-simplyherbs\" title=\"Rosemary\"\u003erosemary\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/thyme-winter\" title=\"Winter Thyme\"\u003ethyme\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/lavender-blue-spear\" title=\"Lavender Blue Spear\"\u003elavender\u003c\/a\u003e) stay in place longer.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Rejuvenation\u003c\/strong\u003e: Enhance soil microbes; use as borders between cycles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid planting with rue\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e sage\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ecucumbers \u003c\/strong\u003e– can inhibit growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Green Houston","offers":[{"title":"0.1g (62 Seeds)","offer_id":46980597940467,"sku":"","price":14.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.4g (248 Seeds)","offer_id":46980597973235,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0344\/9087\/6044\/files\/BasilGenoveseSingle.png?v=1749210334","url":"https:\/\/greenwares.myshopify.com\/products\/basil-genovese","provider":"Green Houston","version":"1.0","type":"link"}