Basil Pesto Al Italia

Pesto Al Italia is an early-maturing basil variety characterized by a distinctive clove-like aroma, which makes it popular as a spice-flavoring additive and for medicinal purposes. The plant is upright and compact, reaching a height of 31 to 42 cm, with dense foliage featuring large bright green leaves and white flowers. The mass of one plant varies from 140 to 280 grams, while the yield of green mass ranges from 1 to 2.4 kg per square meter. The medium to strong intensity of the basil's aroma is due to the content of essential oils such as methyl chavicol, cineole, linalool, ocimene, and camphor. For growing Pesto Al Italia, it is recommended to sow for seedlings at the end of March to the beginning of April, followed by transplanting into open ground at the end of May to the beginning of June, when the seedlings have formed 5-6 true leaves. Planting is done according to a 30x25 cm scheme. Direct seeding of seeds into open ground is also possible from the end of May at a depth of 1-1.5 cm, followed by thinning seedlings to a distance of 15-20 cm between plants. To obtain quality greens throughout the season, it is recommended to conduct repeat sowings with an interval of three weeks until mid-July. Pesto Al Italia is valued for its aromaticity and versatility of application. Its leaves are widely used in cooking to impart a rich flavor and aroma to dishes, as well as in folk medicine due to the beneficial properties of essential oils. Its compact size and high yield make this variety convenient for growing both in open ground and in home conditions, ensuring a stable and abundant harvest of greens.