Basil Planting Guide — All Zones
Ocimum basilicum
Last updated: Apr 25, 2026Quick Facts
Sunlight
☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs
💧💧 Moderate
Spacing
12 inches apart
Planting Depth
0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp
60°F
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Maturity
50–75 days
Frost Tolerance
No frost tolerance
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Schedule by Zone
Select your USDA zone below for a detailed guide with tips specific to your region.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May 1 | May 29 | May 29 | Jul 25 | Sep 12 |
| Zone 4 | Apr 26 | May 24 | May 24 | Jul 20 | Sep 13 |
| Zone 5 | Apr 16 | May 14 | May 14 | Jul 10 | Sep 3 |
| Zone 6 | Apr 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 25 | Aug 19 |
| Zone 7 | Mar 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 19 | Jun 15 | Aug 9 |
| Zone 8 | Mar 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | May 30 | Jul 24 |
| Zone 9 | Feb 14 | Mar 14 | Mar 14 | May 10 | Jul 4 |
| Zone 10 | Jan 27 | Feb 24 | Feb 24 | Apr 22 | Jun 16 |
| Zone 11 | Jan 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | Mar 27 | May 21 |
| Zone 12 | — | any | any | year_round | year_round |
| Zone 13 | — | any | any | year_round | year_round |
Recommended for Your Zone
🌱 Basil Seeds & Supplies
Find seeds, soil, and tools suited for growing basil in your zone.
Shop on Amazon →Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Sage
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.