How to Start Organic Genovese Basil from Seed Indoors

Quick answer

Start organic Genovese basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date to get a head start on a summer harvest.

Step-by-step: Starting Genovese basil indoors

1. 1. Prepare your containers and soil: Fill seed-starting trays or small pots with a moistened, sterile seed-starting mix. Basil seeds need a light, well-draining medium to germinate. A common mistake is using garden soil, which can compact and harbor diseases. Use a fine-textured seed-starting mix, not garden soil.
2. 2. Sow the seeds: Scatter the organic Genovese basil seeds on the surface of the mix and cover them with a very thin layer (about 1/8 inch) of the same mix. Basil seeds need light to germinate, so don't bury them deeply. A common mistake is sowing seeds too deep, which prevents them from sprouting. Cover seeds with only a light dusting of soil.
3. 3. Water and cover: Gently water the surface using a spray bottle to avoid displacing the seeds. Cover the tray with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to maintain humidity and warmth. Basil needs consistent moisture and warmth (70-80°F) to germinate. A common mistake is letting the soil dry out, which stops germination. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm.
4. 4. Provide light and warmth: Place the covered tray in a warm location, such as on a heat mat set to 75°F, or in a warm room. Once seedlings emerge (in 5-10 days), remove the cover and move the tray to a bright location with 14-16 hours of light daily, like under a grow light or in a sunny south-facing window. A common mistake is insufficient light, which leads to leggy, weak seedlings. Provide strong light immediately after germination.
5. 5. Thin and transplant: When seedlings have their first set of true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell or pot by snipping the weaker ones at the soil line. After the last frost date, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week, then transplant them into the garden or larger containers. A common mistake is transplanting too early, which can shock the plants. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

Product fact

• Organic Genovese Basil Seeds: This classic variety is prized for its large, tender, fragrant leaves and is the traditional Italian choice for rich, flavorful pesto. Starting these organic seeds indoors ensures you get a head start on the warm season, so you can enjoy peak flavor and fragrance from your summer garden.