Basil Monteverde™ Genovese | Ocimum basilicum | New 2027 Variety

2027 New Variety!

Monteverde™ Genovese is a new, productive Genovese basil combining rich, classic flavour with intermediate resistance to basil downy mildew. It produces large, bright green, cupped leaves on upright plants and is perfect for continual harvesting throughout the summer.

Excellent for growing both in the garden and in containers, Monteverde™ is ideal for fresh use, pesto, pasta, salads and other Mediterranean dishes.

Plant Information

• Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
• Type: Genovese Basil
• Plant Habit: Upright
• Leaf Colour: Medium to bright green
• Height: 46–61 cm
• Width: 25–30 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Seed Form: Raw Seed
• Days to Maturity – Direct Sowing: 60–80 days
• Days to Maturity – From Transplant: 20–30 days
• Disease Resistance: Intermediate resistance (IR) to basil downy mildew
• Suitable For: Garden beds, pots, fresh harvest & hydroponics

Rich Genovese Flavour & Continual Harvest

Monteverde™ has the rich, aromatic flavour of classic Genovese basil. Its large, cupped leaves are excellent for pesto, pasta, tomato dishes, salads and fresh cooking.

Regular harvesting encourages new growth and helps the plant continue producing fresh leaves throughout the season.

Intermediate Resistance to Downy Mildew

One of the key advantages of Monteverde™ Genovese is its intermediate resistance to basil downy mildew (IR: DM).

This added resistance helps plants remain productive for longer when disease pressure is present, providing more reliable and continual harvests throughout the growing season.

Sowing & Growing

Sow indoors for an early start or direct sow outdoors once the weather and soil have warmed and all risk of frost has passed.

• Sowing: Sow into a fine, moist seed-starting mix and cover the seeds lightly.
• Germination temperature: Keep warm, ideally around 20–23°C.
• Moisture: Keep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• After germination: Move seedlings to a bright, sunny position.
• Transplanting: Plant outdoors only after the risk of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently warm.
• Spacing: Approx. 20–30 cm between plants.
• Position: Full sun.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture.

Monteverde™ also grows very well in pots and containers. Choose a warm, sunny position and water regularly, particularly during hot weather.

Once established, pinch or harvest the growing tips just above a pair of leaves. This encourages branching, creates a fuller plant and promotes a continual supply of fresh basil throughout the summer.

Why Choose Monteverde™ Genovese?

• New for 2027
• Classic, rich Genovese basil flavour
• Intermediate resistance to downy mildew
• Large, bright green, cupped leaves
• Fast-growing and productive
• Excellent for continual summer harvests
• 60–80 days from direct sowing
• 20–30 days from transplant
• Perfect for pesto, pasta and salads
• Excellent for both pots and garden beds

Monteverde™ Genovese is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for classic Genovese flavour combined with improved disease resistance and reliable harvests throughout the summer.