Hundreds of years ago Genovese villagers collectively selected this basil for the qualities they felt made the best pesto: large thick deep green leaves on sturdy plants. In the spring of 2012, Habitat for Artists (HFA) took a donation of seeds from the Hudson Valley Seed Library to the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC), a community center in Washington DC's 8th Ward, and started heirloom seeds for the community as part of a larger community arts project. This portrait shows Keith Cook, Sr. working in the community gardens at THEARC tending basil and the youth that attend the many programs offered at the center. For each Genovese Basil pack sold, the Seed Library will donate a pack of heirloom seeds to keep gardens in the 8th Ward thriving.

Direct sow after last frost, or sow seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Sow at monthly intervals until 60 days before first fall frost for quality leaves all season. Harvest often to prevent flowers from forming. To harvest, cut basil at the stem just above new leaf growth. Basil is very sensitive to the cold; harvest or protect plants if frost is imminent.