How to Germinate Genovese Basil

Genovese basil, with its lustrous green leaves and enticing aroma, is a welcome addition to Italian dishes, sauces and dips. All basil, including the Genovese cultivar, germinates easily in a warm, sunny location. To get a head start on this year's herb garden, sow Genovese basil seeds in a container indoors just before your area's last frost. Genovese basil germinates within one week, and you can enjoy your first harvest in about three weeks.

Seed starting tray
Seed starting mix
Plastic wrap
Fluorescent light (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a tray with seed-starting mix. Mist the mix to dampen it and sprinkle Genovese basil seeds across the surface of the mix.
- 2
  Press the basil seeds gently into the soil. Sprinkle 1/4 inch of mix over the seeds and add enough water to moisten the mix.
- 3
  Lay plastic wrap over the top of the tray to keep moisture in the container and aid germination.
- 4
  Put the tray in a warm spot where temperatures range between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Genovese basil germinates in four to seven days.
- 5
  Take off the plastic wrap when you see basil seedlings emerge. Set the tray outside in a sunny area if the last frost for your area has passed. If the frost has not passed, keep the tray indoors and put it on a sunny windowsill. A supplemental fluorescent grow light also works if your home does not have a sunny windowsill available.

How to Harvest Mint Leaves

Growing Jiaogulan

Growing Herbs