Basil goes outside about two weeks after your last spring frost, once the soil reaches 60 °F. It is sensitive to cold, so patience pays. Find your zone below, or enter your ZIP code for dates based on the weather station closest to you.
Basil dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Basil planting dates by zone
| USDA zone | When to plant |
|---|---|
| Zone 3 | June 6 |
| Zone 4 | May 30 |
| Zone 5 | May 22 |
| Zone 6 | May 15 |
| Zone 7 | May 1 |
| Zone 8 | April 14 |
| Zone 9 | March 17 |
Not sure of your zone? Look it up by ZIP code.
Why basil waits for warm weather
Basil is a tender annual herb that is sensitive to cold. Cold soil and air stunt its growth, and temperatures around 50 °F, well above freezing, can blacken its leaves. That is why it goes outside after the frost-free date, once the soil reaches at least 60 °F.
How to plant basil
- Start seeds indoors in a warm spot: they need at least 70 °F and sprout in 5–7 days.
- Grow seedlings in full sun or under lights.
- Transplant after your frost-free date, once the soil is 60 °F or warmer.
- Pinch the stem tips once plants have a few sets of leaves, to make them bushy.
- Sow again every two weeks for a continuous supply.
Harvesting basil
Harvest lightly from young plants, then pick individual leaves and stem tips as the plants grow. Regular picking keeps basil bushy and productive. Remove flower buds as soon as they appear. Basil can be harvested about 60–70 days after sowing, and it dries easily for winter use. Avoid refrigerating fresh basil, which darkens the leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plant basil before the last frost?
No. Basil is damaged by cold even above freezing. Plant it out after your frost-free date, once the soil is 60 °F.
Should I remove basil flowers?
Yes. Pinch off flower buds as soon as they form so the plant keeps producing leaves.
How do I store fresh basil?
Not in the refrigerator, which turns the leaves dark. Keep stems in water at room temperature for a few days, or dry the leaves.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.