Genovese Basil Herb (2026)
Classic pesto basil; large sweet leaves.
Which zones grow Genovese Basil best?
Genovese Basil is a herb variety rated for zone 4 and warmer (frost-free). In colder zones, start seeds indoors earlier and use a longer-season plan; in very hot zones (9+), pick the cooler fall window. The ZIP tool below gives the exact answer for your neighborhood.
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Plan backwards — target a harvest date
Tell me when you want your first ripe fruit and your ZIP; I'll work out the transplant and seed-start dates for this exact variety.
Growing notes
- Maturity: about 65 days from transplant (longer from seed in cool springs).
- Habit: Bush or trailing habit — compact, container-friendly.
- Season fit: needs roughly 85 frost-free days; check with the ZIP tool above.
- Source data: compiled from public seed catalogs (Burpee). Days-to-maturity vary by climate.
Compare with similar varieties
How Genovese Basil stacks up against its closest relatives.
| Variety | Days | Type | Habit | Min zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genovese Basil (this) | 65 | leaf | bush | 4+ |
| Sweet Thai Basil | 60 | leaf | bush | 4+ |
| Italian Flat Parsley | 75 | leaf | bush | 4+ |
| Spearmint | 90 | leaf | bush | 3+ |
| Rosemary (Arp) | 120 | leaf | bush | 6+ |
| Santo Cilantro | 45 | leaf | bush | 3+ |
| Bouquet Dill | 60 | leaf | bush | 3+ |
Similar varieties
Sweet Thai Basil
60 days · leaf · zone 4+
Italian Flat Parsley
75 days · leaf · zone 4+
Spearmint
90 days · leaf · zone 3+
Rosemary (Arp)
120 days · leaf · zone 6+
Santo Cilantro
45 days · leaf · zone 3+
Bouquet Dill
60 days · leaf · zone 3+
Data: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PRISM/OSU), NOAA 1991-2020 frost normals, and public seed catalog listings. Always confirm with the seed packet.