Quick Facts
🌡️ Season
Warm-Season
☀️ Sun Needs
Full Sun (6+ hrs)
💧 Water
Moderate
📐 Spacing
12 inches apart
🕳️ Planting Depth
1/4 inch deep
📅 Days to Harvest
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
6–7
🌡️ Min Soil Temp
60°F
🏠 Start Indoors
6 weeks before last frost
🌱 Direct Sow
Yes
🔥 Heat Tolerance
Moderate
❄️ Cold Tolerance
None
When to Plant Basil by Zone
Planting dates vary by USDA hardiness zone. Find your zone at the Smart Planner.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 (Cold) | Mar, Apr | May, Jun | May, Jun | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Zones 5–6 (Cool) | Mar, Apr | May, Jun | May | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Zones 7–8 (Moderate) | Feb, Mar | Apr, May | Apr | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Zones 9–10 (Warm) | Jan, Feb | Mar, Apr | Mar | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Zones 11–13 (Tropical) | Dec, Jan | Feb, Mar | Feb | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Recommended Varieties
Genovese
Classic Italian, best for pesto
African Blue
Perennial in warm zones, very heat tolerant🔥 Heat Tolerant
🌿 Companion Planting
Plant With
🍅 tomato🌱 pepper🌿 oregano
Keep Away From
✗ sage
🗺️ Growing Zones
12345678910111213
Highlighted zones are suitable for growing basil.
🛒 Shop Basil Seeds
Shop on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate and Walmart affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure