Moana Nursery High Desert Plant Finder & Guide
herb

Super Sweet Genovese Basil

Ocimum basilicum 'Super Sweet Genovese'

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Super Sweet Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Super Sweet Genovese') at Moana Nursery

Super Sweet Genovese Basil foliage

Super Sweet Genovese Basil foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  18 inches

Flower Height:  24 inches

Spacing:  16 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Description:

Primarily a culinary variety that produces large flavorful leaves on a dense, bushy plant; will produce white flowers in summer; pinch flower stems to promote leaf growth; great for mixed containers, herb gardens, and annual beds

Edible Qualities

Super Sweet Genovese Basil is an annual herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The fragrant oval green leaves are usually harvested from early summer to early fall. The leaves have a pleasant taste and a pleasant fragrance.

The leaves are most often used in the following ways:

  • Fresh Eating
  • Cooking
  • Seasoning

Planting & Growing

Super Sweet Genovese Basil will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 16 inches apart. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.

This plant can be integrated into a landscape or flower garden by creative gardeners, but is usually grown in a designated herb garden. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Super Sweet Genovese Basil is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Edging  Garden  Herb  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features