basil 'Sweet'

basil 'Sweet' or Ocimum basilicum 'Pesto Genovese'

Eventual height & spread

basil 'Sweet'

basil 'Sweet' or Ocimum basilicum 'Pesto Genovese'

  • approx 750 seeds
  • £1.79 £2.39
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 3 × packets of seeds
  • £4.87 £6.50 £1.62 each
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
  • Seed Packets (only) £2.99
  • Next/Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun, sheltered and warm or a sunny windowsill
  • Soil: fertile, moist but well drained
  • Rate of growth: average
  • Hardiness: tender (will need winter protection)


This sweet basil can be used to make Pesto Genovese. No Italian cooking is complete without the aromatic flavour of basil, a tender leafy herb with fat, glossy green leaves.

Grow in a container in a sunny spot on the patio or indoors on a bright windowsill and keep well-watered for a plentiful supply. Chop finely over tomatoes or blend with olive oil for the best pesto ever.


  • Garden care:
    Plant out into the herb garden or into roomy pots or troughs from early summer, after all threat of frost has passed, allowing 15-20cm (6-8in) between plants. Pick plants over regularly (harvest from July to October) and remove any developing flowerheads immediately to prevent bolting (running to seed) and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.


    Sow seeds into pots of free-draining seed compost on a warm, sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse from late spring. (April to early June). Protect seedlings from slugs and cold and keep well-watered as they grow.


  • Sow: April to June


  • Harvest: July onwards
  • Goes well with