Organic Pesto Growing Kit

The Organic Pesto Growing Kit by Radis et Capucine includes everything you need to grow fresh pesto ingredients on your windowsill. The set contains organic seeds for Genovese basil, purple basil and pepper – plus three elegant terracotta pots that look great in any kitchen.

Whether classic Pesto alla Genovese, a fruity pepper pesto or a creative variation with deep-purple basil – homegrown organic herbs taste infinitely more intense. And you know exactly what's in it.

The Three Varieties Explained

Genovese basil is the classic pesto herb – large, aromatic leaves with a sweet-spicy scent. Purple basil brings a slightly peppery note and stunning dark violet colour. Pepper (Capsicum) adds a mild fruitiness that gives pestos surprising depth.

Growing Guide: Your Windowsill Pesto Garden

1. Soil: Fill terracotta pots with loose seed compost. No pre-fertilised potting soil.
2. Sowing: Scatter seeds on the moist surface, press lightly. Basil needs light to germinate – do not cover!
3. Location: Sunny and warm, at least 20°C. South-facing windowsill is ideal.
4. Watering: Keep evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. Water from below via the saucer.
5. Germination: Basil sprouts in 7–14 days, pepper takes 14–21 days.
6. Thinning: Once seedlings have 4 true leaves, keep only the strongest.

Harvest Tips: How to Pick Correctly

• Always cut above a leaf pair – never pluck individual leaves. This encourages branching and bushier growth. One plant provides weeks of fresh leaves.
• Remove flower buds as soon as they appear. Flowering makes leaves bitter and stops growth.
• Harvest in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated.
• First harvest: Genovese basil after 6–8 weeks, purple basil 8–10 weeks, pepper 10–12 weeks.

Quick Classic Pesto Recipe

50 g fresh basil, 30 g toasted pine nuts, 50 g Parmesan, 1 garlic clove, 100 ml olive oil, salt and pepper. Blend (not too smooth – some texture is key). Covered with olive oil, keeps 1–2 weeks in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long until the first harvest?
Basil is ready after 6–8 weeks. Pepper leaves can be harvested after 4–6 weeks; fruits need 3–4 months.

Can I harvest multiple times?
Yes! Cut correctly above a leaf pair and basil keeps regrowing for weeks.

Are the seeds certified organic?
Yes, all seeds are organically certified by Radis et Capucine, a French seed company since 1927.

Do I need a garden?
No – this kit is designed for indoor growing. A sunny windowsill is all you need.

What's in the kit:

• Organic seeds: Genovese basil, purple basil and pepper
• 3 terracotta pots
• Growing instructions and care tips