RHS Plants
RHS Plants

Shop

Information & Help

My account

basil 'Sweet'

basil 'Sweet' or Ocimum basilicum 'Pesto Genovese'

20% off
Product Image
This sweet basil can be used to make Pesto Genovese. No Italian cooking is complete without the aromatic flavour of basil, a tender leafy herb with fat, glossy green leaves.

Grow in a container in a sunny spot on the patio or indoors on a bright windowsill and keep well-watered for a plentiful supply. Chop finely over tomatoes or blend with olive oil for the best pesto ever.

How to care for Ocimum basilicum Sweet:

Plant out into the herb garden or into roomy pots or troughs from early summer, after all threat of frost has passed, allowing 15-20cm (6-8in) between plants. Pick plants over regularly (harvest from July to October) and remove any developing flowerheads immediately to prevent bolting (running to seed) and to encourage lots of fresh young leaves.

Sowing instructions:

Sow basil from February to April under cover in pots or trays at 18-21°C (65-70°F), keeping seedlings warm and in bright light until they are ready to grow on. Plants can be moved outdoors from late May once the risk of frost has passed, or seeds can be sown directly outside in May and June when conditions are reliably warm. Pick leaves regularly from the growing tips throughout summer to encourage bushy growth and harvest before the plants flower for the best flavour.
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

Product options

1
Buy Now
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Seed Packets (only)£2.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99

Goes well with
Add to wishlist

coriander 'Leafy Leisure'

coriander or Coriandrum sativum 'Leisure'

£2.19  £1.75
View details
Add to wishlist

Kitchen garden cloche

£49.99
View details
Add to wishlist

Wooden seed tray

From £19.99
View options
Add to wishlist

Pot window basket

£29.99
View details
Add to wishlist

Pot window basket

From £39.99
View options
Add to wishlist

Galvanised metal portable planting trough - Crocus green frame

£45.99
View details
Add to wishlist

Pot watering droplet - copper scallop

£31.99
View details
Add to wishlist

Wooden flower and herb drying rack

£4.99
View details
Add to wishlist

Terracotta grow pots - set of 18 with tray

£39.99
View details
Add to wishlist

Herb scissors

£8.99
View details
Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year
Join now

Keep in touch

View our Privacy Policy
Contact us
Cookies
Terms
Privacy

© RHS Enterprises Limited 2026
Registered in England & Wales No. 01211648. | VAT No. GB461532757 | Registered Office: 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE.

All sales help fund the charitable work of the RHS.