La Genoese giant basil is most popular variety of this herb that is so used in the Mediterranean. It is what you find in the market and in the greengrocer, a perennial plant with erect stems and large, petiolate and somewhat irregular and toothed leaves. Its flowers are white or soft purple and its fruits are achene.
This plant can grow to over 2 meters in height and is very easy to grow. You do not need anything more than a pot or a small surface as it is a very undemanding plant, which you can even grow next to a window in your kitchen.
Characteristics of this variety
La Genoese giant basil belongs to the family of Lamiaceae and its scientific name is Ocimum basilicum. Originally from Asia, it has been widely used in ancient times in the Mediterranean area. However, this variety is of Italian origin and since 2005 it has Protected Designation of Origin. The town of Pra '(Genoa) is famous for its cultivation.
It is widely used to make pesto and other recipes in Ligurian cuisine, although luck has wanted it to cross borders so today you can find it almost anywhere. But there is no way to grow it at home so if you want to do it, keep in mind that you will need a sunny place taking into account that it needs a Mediterranean climate although it is versatile and adaptable.
If you sow directly into the ground, it is best to do it in April or advance to February in the case of seedlings. Avoid overwatering It is a plant that needs just a little water to prevent fungi from appearing and its roots from rotting.
You can use the fresh basil leaves whenever you like, just cut the florets and voila! If instead you want to dry the leaves, you should let the bouquets down in a dry, ventilated place.
Myths about basil
Basil was not always viewed favorably. Although today it is used in the kitchen, in health and in the cosmetic industry, in the past it was feared and hated, associated with hatred for the Greeks or Satan, considered poisonous or with powers to ward off bad influences.
Fortunately, he knew how to reverse his loss of prestige and today it is the symbol of love in Italy and in Mexico it is said that it attracts fortune as well as an essential ingredient in the world cookbook.
It is not true that basil only reaches 50 cm in height, mine are already 60 cm in height and their stem is almost 1 cm thick, and with the passage of time they could reach 1 m in height. 12 days ago they were only 30 cm tall, impressive that they have grown 30 cm more in just 12 days. Why is that?
Hi Vincent.
The reasons may be several:
-that is in shade and has needed to grow fast to capture more light
-that have been recently fertilized, or that the soil contains the amount of nutrients it needs
-that have recently been changed pot
Regards!
My basil is already 65 cm tall, not all of them are of that height since I have all sizes, they range from 3 cm to 65 cm in height. And in Bétera there is a grower who has basil in his garden that is more than 2 meters high. I have so many basils because I really like to add their leaves to my food
Very, very interesting Vicente. Thanks for comment.
I recently said that with the passage of time my basil would reach one meter in height, since my basil is already 1 meter in height. It's a monster! Regarding the description of basil I would say that it usually reaches a height of 50 to 90 cm in height and exceptionally 1 to 2 m in height.
Hi Vincent.
Geez 1 meter! Its alot. Congratulations!
Basil is an annual herb, grown as a perennial in tropical climates, low-growing (30-130 cm), with opposite lustrous green, oval or ovate, serrated, silky-textured leaves measuring 3-11 cm long by 1 to 6 cm wide.
I have collected that from Wikipedia, my basil is already 1,05m tall but as you can see it has to grow more until it reaches 1,30 m in height. 80 cm more than what it says in the article
My basil is already 1,20 m tall and already has flowers.
In Valencia, specifically in Bétera, they grow giants, over 2 meters high. Is awesome.