Genovese basil
Ocimum basilicum
Also known asSweet basil · Italian basil · Basilico · Albahaca
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 10–13 (winter low around -1°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Net pot, no medium (Bare-root) | - | - | - |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.4 |
Companion-growing notes
- High transpiration. Regular reservoir top-ups needed during fruiting.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
The single most popular hydroponic herb crop worldwide. EC 1.0-1.8 mS/cm. pH 5.5-6.5. Temperature: 20–28°C (critical: below 15°C causes chilling injury, blackened leaves, and growth arrest). High light (DLI 15-25 mol/m2/day; basil is one of the most light-demanding herbs). Grows well in NFT, DWC, Kratky, drip, and vertical systems. From seed to first harvest: 4-5 weeks. Pinch the growing tip above the second set of true leaves to promote branching; each pinch doubles the number of growing tips, creating a bushier plant with more harvestable leaf area. Continue pinching every 2-3 weeks. Remove flower buds immediately: once basil flowers, leaf production slows and flavor changes (becomes more bitter). Nitrogen is the key nutrient for leaf production; maintain adequate N throughout the crop. Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilicum) is the most serious disease in hydroponic basil; use resistant varieties ('Nufar', 'Prospera') in commercial operations. Downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) is an increasingly common problem; good airflow and resistant varieties help. For home growers, Genovese basil in a DWC or Kratky setup is the classic first hydroponic crop.
Notable varieties
| Cultivar | Type | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genovese | open pollinated | 60 | The DOP-protected Italian variety from Liguria, the traditional pesto basil. Large smooth oval leaves, intense sweet anise-clove flavor. Slow to bolt compared to most basils. |
| Aroma 2 | open pollinated | 65 | Improved Genovese with stronger fusarium resistance. Slightly smaller leaves, same flavor profile. The commercial greenhouse standard in much of Europe. |
| Lettuce-leaf | open pollinated | 65 | Crinkled leaves up to 10cm across (lettuce-sized rather than basil-sized). Milder than Genovese, less intense pesto but useful for wrapping and layering whole leaves in sandwiches. |
| Spicy Globe | open pollinated | 60 | Compact tight-mounding form, tiny pointed leaves on a 25-30cm sphere. Ornamental in containers, flavor slightly more peppery than Genovese. Naturally late to bolt. |