The Basil Genovese Italian, 'Ocimum basilicum', is widely grown in Italy. Genovese basil has a strong basil flavor and aroma and is a favorite for pesto. There is nothing like the smell of basil. Basil is the smell of summer. Genovese basil will not disappoint the basil lover. It has a particularly strong fragrance and flavor making it excellent for almost any basil dish. The edible flowers rice, mild vegetables, eggplant and many others. Plant 1 to 2 weeks after the last average frost date. Place the Basil seeds in well drained soil with lots of organic matter.