Italian Sweet Basil Seeds

Italian Sweet Basil is the classic Genovese-type basil — the large, glossy-leafed variety behind pesto and most Italian cooking, distinct from the purple/dark-leafed basil also in the My Mali range. It's grown for its leaves rather than flowers, and regular harvesting (pinching the top growth) is what keeps a plant productive rather than bolting to seed. Sow it 0.5 cm deep and keep the soil warm and consistently moist — germination typically takes 5-10 days. Once seedlings are established, give the plant full sun for 4-6 hours daily and space plants 15-20 cm apart so each one gets enough airflow and light to bulk up. A first harvest is typically ready in 45-60 days, and basil is one of the more forgiving herbs for a first-time container gardener — it doesn't need staking, and a large pot or grow bag on a sunny balcony suits it well.