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Italian Classic Basil. This sweet Genovese basil is our most popular variety. It is the same strain that made pesto famous worldwide. (Our Italian supplier, Franchi Seeds, calls it Italian Classic rather than Genovese because the region of Genoa got an Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) trademark that limits the use of the name Genovese to basil grown in a certain area of Liguria; however, the seed is grown elsewhere in Italy and so cannot have the name Genovese within Italy. )

Whatever this basil is called, it's the best. This is the classic basil used for sauces, pesto, pizza, and just about everything else. Leaves are soft and fragrant with a delicious taste.

The seed count in a pack is enormous -- about 4,800 seeds. Why so much seed? Because in Italy, people like to pick basil very young, so they seed it repeatedly and just pull the entire plants when they are about 5-6 inches tall. In the U.S., most people grow a few plants and pick from them all summer long, so a packet of seeds lasts a long time. Basil seed, if kept cool and dry (but not in the refrigerator) will remain viable for up to 5 years. Try one of our seed storage tins for keeping extra seed.

Basil has approximately 600-650 seeds per gram.

FUSARIUM FREE - TESTED.

*Heritage Variety*
Basil Classico Italiano - This is the classic style basil which is also used for making 'pesto' but has a million other uses in the kitchen. The ideal windowsill herb too.
This is a mid-early variety producing vigorus plants. Easy to grow and perfect for containers.

Approximate seeds quantity: @4000 seeds.
To be sow from March to July directly on the ground and inside the rest of the year.

*Heritage Variety*
This is a mid-early variety producing bushes variety with small leaves and quite a strong flavor. This variety is easy to grow, especially in containers.
Super for making good basilly sauces and with Red Pear Franchi tomatoes.

Approximate seeds quantity:@4000.
To be sow from March to July directly on the ground and inside the rest of the year.

Basil Fine Nano Compatto a Palla (formerly Greco a Palla). This is a beautiful plant, a bush variety with a naturally round shape. It has small, bright green leaves. The flavor is intense and holds up well in tomato dishes. Use for flavoring or just leave some on a plate or in a jar in the kitchen for aroma and color.

It can be grown in a large pot. For transplants, start 5-6 seeds in a cell six or seven weeks before set out date which is ten or more days after last frost date. Thin to three or four. Set plants 12 inches apart. For direct seeding, 7-8 seeds every foot, thin to two or three. 5 gram packet, about 3,000 seeds.

Basil has approximately 600-650 seeds per gram.