Warm-season crop
When to Plant Basil After Frost
Time basil sowing and transplanting from a local spring freeze reference, with seed depth, spacing, maturity, warmth, and harvest guidance.
Reviewed by Garden By ZIP Editorial Review ·
- Spacing
- 6–12 in
- Seed depth
- 0.125–0.25 in
- Typical maturity
- 30–60 days
Quick answer
Start basil indoors 6–8 weeks before the last spring freeze reference. Direct-sow or transplant about 1–2 weeks after it, once soil and nights are warm. Find the local range in the planting calendar.
Planting methods
Basil can be direct-sown, started indoors, or transplanted. Pinching and repeated harvest help keep plants productive before flowering.
Spacing, depth, and maturity
Cover seed lightly, about 1/8–1/4 inch, and space common plants 6–12 inches. Leaf harvest often begins 30–60 days after sowing.
Worked local-calendar example
For an April 19 last spring freeze reference, indoor sowing falls in late February or early March and outdoor planting begins in late April. Delay the example range if cold nights persist.
Common mistakes
- Treating basil as cold tolerant because it is an herb.
- Transplanting into cold soil after one warm day.
- Letting plants flower when leaf production is the goal.
Limitations
Basil types, disease pressure, night temperatures, container conditions, and harvest method affect performance. Freeze normals are only the first screen.