There is a wide range of basil varieties, with sweet basil and Genovese basil being the most commonly used. But how can you distinguish between these two options and which one should you choose if given the option?
Is sweet basil the same as Genovese? Sweet basil and Genovese basil are two distinct varieties of the same species. Sweet basil has bright-green leaves and a sweet flavor with hints of pepper, anise, and mint. Genovese basil has large dark-green leaves with a pointy end. The aromatic leaves have hints of clove and mint.
If you can’t decide which one of those two basil varieties to grow, read more to find out the strong points of each variety and how to grow them both.
Sweet Basil vs. Genovese Basil
Sweet basil is the most common variety of basil. If you look for basil in the supermarket, sweet basil is the one you’ll find there. Genovese basil is less popular, and not all nurseries will have the plant or its seeds. Before you commit to one basil variety over the other, you should learn more about each variety.
What’s the Difference Between Sweet Basil and Genovese Basil?
The difference between sweet basil and Genovese basil extends beyond the aroma and flavors to the shape of the plants themselves. Sweet basil has bright-green leaves with curled edges. The leaves have a round end and their flavor is a combination of pepper, mint, and anise. The aroma is mild and goes well with presto and other Italian dishes.
Genovese basil is a showy plant with dark-green leaves. The leaves are flatter and larger than sweet basil leaves and have a pointy end. It’s ideal for growing in pots and has flavors reminiscent of mint and clove with a generous dash of spiciness.
Growing Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is easy to grow as long as you provide adequate light and rich, loamy soil. Keep the soil moist, and give it 1 inch of water a week. Mulching is important to improve water retention.
Sweet Basil Size & Appearance
The mature plants grow between 12 and 24 inches tall. The leaves have a pointed end and are slightly curved. They’re moderately green when healthy.
Sweet Basil Aroma & Taste
As the name implies, sweet basil has a sweet taste with a hint of anise and mint. It adds a delicious flavor to your dishes if used in moderation.
Sweet Basil Uses
Sweet basil goes into many dishes, soups, marinades, pestos, and teas. It can also be used as garnish.
Growing Genovese Basil
Genovese basil is a cultivar of sweet basil, so it requires the same growing conditions. Light and water are the two most important factors to consider.
Genovese Basil Size & Appearance
Genovese basil has larger leaves than sweet basil. The leaves are flat and round at the tip. Healthy mature leaves are dark green. The mature plant reaches about 24 inches high.
Genovese Basil Aroma & Taste
The leaves of Genovese basil have a richer and deeper aroma and taste than sweet basil leaves. The aroma is a combination of clove and mint.
Genovese Basil Uses
Genovese basil is used in pesto and caprese salad. Because the leaves have a rich taste, you should use them judiciously in your dishes.
Best Basil Variety
Every basil variety has unique features. Except for ornamental varieties, each basil variety is distinguished mostly by the flavor and aromas it emits.
| Basil Variety | Key Features |
| Sweet Basil | Mint, pepper, and anise flavor |
| Genovese Basil | Clove and mint flavor |
| Thai Basil | Licorice/anise flavor with hints of spiciness |
| Purple Basil | Ornamental variety with purple leaves |
| Lemon Basil | Has citrus flavors |
| Holy Basil | Has medicinal properties |
| Italian Large Leaf Basil | Large leaves and rich flavors |
| Napoletano Basil | Large leaves and strong sweet flavors |
| Cinnamon Basil | Sweet cinnamon flavor |
| Spicy Globe Basil | Small and compact with aromatic leaves |
How To Plant Basil
The best time to start basil from seeds is 6 weeks before the last frost. Start the seeds indoors, and transplant them to the garden when the weather warms up. Alternatively, you can transplant them to pots and keep them growing indoors. Here’s how to plant basil outdoors.
- Find a reliable source to get your seeds. Your local nursery should have the varieties that best grow in your Grow Zoneone.
- Fill a tray with a general-purpose potting mix, and sprinkle it with water to get it moist.
- Spread the seeds over the potting mix, and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the seeds to keep the soil moist and cover them with a clear sheet of plastic to trap the heat and moisture.
- Check the potting mix regularly, and water it to keep it moist.
- After 7 to 10 days, the seeds will germinate. Remove the plastic cover and bring the plant to a window sill facing the sun.
- When the garden soil becomes workable and daytime temperatures stay above 70℉, you can transplant the seedlings to the garden.
- Choose a sunny spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Turn up the soil, and mix in a generous portion of organic compost.
- Make a hole for each seedling as deep as its root ball, and plant the seedlings 12 inches apart.
- Backfill each hole with soil, firm it, and water immediately.
- Cover the rows with mulch to suppress weeds and improve water retention.
- Apply organic compost once every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Prune basil leaves to the second set once they have six sets of true leaves.
- Pinch off the main stem around week 6 to prevent premature flowering.
Related Questions:
What Is Christmas Basil?
Christmas basil is a cultivar that is the result of breeding sweet and Genovese basil. The leaves are large and glossy with a wine aroma. It can be grown as a decorative plant thanks to its purple flowers and festive foliage.
What Is Purple Basil Good For?
Purple basil is a decorative variety of basil grown mainly as an ornamental plant. It adds a rich purple color to the garden during the spring and summer. However, the leaves lack the usual flavors and aroma that other basil varieties have.
Conclusion
Although Genovese basil is a variety of sweet basil, the two have distinct features that set them apart. The key differences are in the shape and aroma of the leaves. Sweet basil leaves are bright green with slightly toothed edges and a pointed tip.
The flavor is a combination of mint, anise, and pepper. Genovese basil leaves are flat, veined, and dark green. They’re also larger and have richer flavors that combine clove and mint.