Genovese basil plants can grow 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) high. Plants will grow in a full, bushy form if the tips are pinched regularly and the plant is not allowed to flower. Once basil plants produce flowers, all the plant’s energy is directed into flower and seed production, and the vegetative parts of the plant will stop growing. If Genovese basil plants do go to flower though, the flowers can be harvested and used in recipes that call for basil. However, basil flowers are said to have a much more concentrated basil flavor and scent, so they should be used sparingly.

Genovese basil plants prefer a site with rich, fertile soil and at least six hours of sunlight each day. It is best to create a nutrient-rich bed for basil plants than to plant them in poor soil and rely on fertilizers to feed them. Fertilizers can negatively affect the flavor, scent, and potency of basil plants. Genovese basil growing requirements are the same as any basil plant. Seeds should be sown indoors four to six weeks before the last expected frost date for your area. Genovese basil plants should germinate in about five to ten days but plants should not be placed outdoors until daytime temperatures remain steadily in the 70 degrees F. (21 C.) range. Genovese basil plants are also excellent for use in containers. In older times, basil was planted in window boxes or windowsill pots to keep flies out.

Height: 24-36 in

Exposure : Full Sun

Growth Rate: Moderate

Water Use: Average

Season of Interest : Summer (Flowering)

Attracts Wildlife & Butterflies

Genovese Basil : Semi-compact, high yielding, shiny, dark green leaves. Slow to bolt . Best type for pesto!

Purple Basil: The darkest purple basil with Genovese type leaves. Use in recipes just like you would regular Genovese basil, also makes for a great container or border plant. Large 2–3" long, turned-down leaves. This stunning basil is nearly black in color. Purple flowers and red leaves make an attractive garnish. Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil.

Thai Basil: Green, 2" long leaves have a spicy, anise/clove flavor. Attractive purple stems and blooms. Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense, spicy basil with notes of clove and anise.

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Strong taste , Cream flowers ,Pungent standard cilantro

The ideal cilantro growing conditions are cool but sunny. You should be growing cilantro where it will get early morning or late afternoon sun, but be shaded during the hottest part of the day.

Many gardeners wonder what to do when cilantro bolts. When they see the white cilantro flowers, they wonder if they can simply cut them off. Unfortunately, once cilantro bolts, the leaves rapidly lose their flavor. Cutting the cilantro flowers off won’t bring the flavor back to the leaves. Instead, go ahead and let the cilantro flowers go to seed. The seeds of the cilantro plant are the spice coriander and can be used in Asian, Indian, Mexican, and many other ethnic recipes.

How to Slow the Bolting:

No matter what kind of cilantro you grow, you should practice succession planting. This is where you plant new seeds every one to two weeks so that as one set of cilantro plantings start to bolt, the next set will be ready to harvest.

Plant cilantro to grow during cool weather. Early spring, late summer, and early fall are the best times to plant cilantro. If you plant in late spring to mid summer, your cilantro will bolt quickly in the heat.

Harvest your cilantro leaves frequently. The more you harvest your cilantro, the more likely you are to nip immature flowering stalks which will delay cilantro flowering.

Mulch cilantro and plant it tightly. It isn’t the heat of the air that causes cilantro to bolt, but rather the heat of the soil. Mulch will help keep the soil cool and retain moisture. Planting cilantro tightly will shade the ground it grows in, which also helps to keep the soil cooler.

Hardiness: Annual

Growth Rate: Fast

Main Use: Culinary

Water Use: Average

Height: 12-18 in

Exposure : Full Sun , Partial Sun

Season of Interest : Fall (Flowering) , Spring (Flowering)

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Italian Parsley

The popular herb to flavor and season many foods. There is nothing better than picking fresh parsley just before you need it! Large, flat leaves are sweet and easy to chop. Can be added to many recipes. Strong flavor used to flavor sauces, butter and assorted dishes. Dark green leaves with flat segments, smooth and shiny.

Giant of Italy plants grow in full sun and are more heat tolerant than curly parsley, but afternoon shade is beneficial in climates where summers are hot. Soil should be moist, fertile, and well-drained for successful Giant of Italy parsley growing. If your soil is poor, dig in a generous amount of well-rotted manure or compost. Water plants as needed to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. A layer of mulch will conserve moisture and help keep weeds in check. If growing in containers during hot, dry weather, they may need water daily. Giant of Italy parsley care may also include fertilization. Feed the plants once or twice through the growing season using a water-soluble fertilizer. You can also dig in a little compost or apply a fish emulsion fertilizer. Snip leaves as needed throughout the growing season or whenever the plants begin to look shaggy.

Hardiness: Biennial

Growth Rate: Fast

Main Use: Culinary

Water Use: Average

Height: 12-24 in

Exposure : Full Sun & Partial Sun

Habit :Upright

Season of Interest : Fall (Flowering), Summer (Flowering) , Spring (Flowering)

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