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Basil Growing Guide
Lamiaceae family
Companion Planting
Avoid Planting Near
RueGrowth Stages
- Seedling
- Establishing
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Jul 8 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Jul 8 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | May 29 | May 29 | Jun 28 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Jul 8 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | Jun 5 | Jun 5 | Jul 5 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 29 | May 29 | Jun 28 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 19 | Jun 18 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 15 | Jun 14 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 12 | Jun 11 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 12 | Jun 11 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | May 12 | May 12 | Jun 11 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | May 29 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | May 29 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | May 24 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 19 | May 19 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 5 | May 5 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | May 3 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 24 | Apr 23 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 6 | Apr 5 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | Mar 13 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | Mar 13 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | Feb 28 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Feb 14 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Feb 14 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Feb 14 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Feb 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Basil?
Basil takes approximately 40 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Basil need?
Basil requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Basil?
Plant Basil at 4/sqft (6" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Basil survive frost?
Basil is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Basil?
Good companion plants for Basil include Peppers, Tomatoes, Eggplant. Avoid planting near Rue.
How long does Basil take to germinate?
Basil seeds germinate in 5-10 days at an optimal temperature of 80°F.
When should I start Basil seeds indoors?
Start Basil seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Pinch flower buds regularly to encourage bushy growth
- Do not plant outdoors until nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F
- Water at the base to prevent fungal leaf diseases
Common Pests & Diseases
- Aphids
- Japanese beetles
- Fusarium wilt
- Downy mildew
Harvest Notes
Harvest leaves regularly from the top down, cutting just above a leaf pair to promote branching.
Plan Your Basil Garden
Track Basil from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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