Genovese Basil Sweet Aroma F1

‘Sweet Aroma F1’ is a hybrid, improved variety of the classic Italian Genovese basil. This compact and vigorous variety is particularly reliable and resistant to Fusarium wilt. Its large, shiny, intensely aromatic leaves are perfect for making pesto. Sow from March to May for a harvest from June to October.

Basil is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa and has been used in the Mediterranean region since Antiquity. Romans hailed it as the symbol of love... whereas Ancient Greeks considered basil to be the plant of hatred and misfortune! Depending on the variety, plants will reach 30-50 cm in height. Like most members of the Lamiaceae family, the erect, branched stems are square. The leaves of this delightful herb can be eaten fresh or dried. They are widely used in salads, marinades or pesto to accompany pasta, meat or fish. As well as being rich in essential oils, basil has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties.

Harvesting and storage: for immediate use, harvest the leaves as and when required from July to October. Basil will stay fresh for a few days in a glass filled with water, away from direct sunlight. It can also be dried and kept in an airtight jar, although it will inevitably lose some of its aroma.

Good to know: Basil benefits from a supply of well-rotted compost (3 kg/m²) in late autumn or early spring. Weed and hoe regularly to keep the weeds down. Pinching the flowering stems will lead to a bushier plant. The smell of basil leaves is a well-known mosquito repellent!

NB. Organic seeds (in French "AB" for "Agriculture Biologique") are produced from plants that aren't treated with phytosanitary products (insecticides, weed killers). The seeds do not undergo post-harvest treatment. They carry the AB label and are approved by Ecocert, an independent structure.

NB: This variety is marked F1 for "F1 hybrid", meaning that its qualities are derived from carefully selected parent plants. The result of this is a variety that, as well as having an exceptionally good flavour, is resistant to certain diseases. Sometimes criticized or wrongly assimilated to GMOs, F1 hybrid seeds are interesting both for their homogeneity and for their resistance to diseases. However, these qualities unfortunately do not pass on to the following generations, making it impossible to collect the seeds for a later sowing.