Planting Date · Basil
Basil Planting Date Calculator
Calculate the optimal planting dates for basil based on your USDA zone, last frost date, and preferred start method.
Optimal Soil Temp
65°F
Days to Maturity
60 days
Frost Tolerance
very tender
Planting Depth
1/4 inch
Input
Fill in the fields below, then click Calculate.
Select your USDA plant hardiness zone (3–10).
Approximate month of your last spring frost.
How you plan to start the crop.
No results yet
Fill in the fields and click Calculate to see results.
Tips & Best Practices
- Start basil indoors 6 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow 2 weeks after.
- Basil is extremely cold-sensitive — even temps below 50°F stunt growth.
- Pinch off flower buds to keep plants bushy and productive.
- Harvest frequently from the top, cutting just above a leaf pair to encourage branching.