Ocimum basilicum ‘Ligurian Basil from Pr’ seeds grow into Pr basil the legendary sweet basil of Pra’, the western suburb of Genoa (Liguria, Italy) that has been the historic source of the finest basil for authentic Genovese pesto, protected as a traditional product of the Ligurian food heritage. Ocimum basilicum L. is sweet basil. The Pra’ growing area close to sea level, with a specific microclimate moderated by proximity to the Ligurian Sea produces basil with exceptionally tender, small to medium leaves, very pale green, with no mintiness or clove notes that can appear in basils grown in warmer, drier conditions. Basilico Genovese DOP covers the traditional production of Ligurian basil; the Pr suburb is considered the heart of this tradition. Essential for authentic pesto alla genovese. Family Lamiaceae.

Full sun; fertile, moist, well-drained soils; cool coastal conditions (the Pr microclimate is key); warm but moderated by sea influence. Harvest young leaves. Avoid extreme heat produces mintiness in hot conditions. Named cultivar may NOT breed true from seed.

• ‘Pr’ = from Pr, western Genoa; Basilico Genovese DOP area; pale green small-to-medium leaves; no mint/clove notes
• Basilicum = royal; L. (Linnaeus); Ligurian coastal microclimate essential for character; pesto alla genovese origin
• DOP/traditional product of Liguria; avoid extreme heat; harvest young; authentic pesto requires this basil type
• Genus Ocimum: ~65 species; Tropics; Family Lamiaceae; Order Lamiales
• Full sun; fertile moist soils; cool-coastal conditions; harvest young; named cultivar may not breed true; Lamiaceae

Ocimum basilicum ‘Ligurian Basil from Pr’ is the basil of Genoa the variety whose pale, tender leaves ground in a marble mortar with pine nuts, Parmigiano and Ligurian olive oil produce the authentic pesto della Genovese, inseparable from the identity of a city whose cuisine is built on the fragrance of this extraordinary microclimate-dependent herb.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.