Planting guide · zone 6a
When to plant basil in zone 6a
In zone 6a, the average last spring frost is Apr 28 and the first fall frost is Oct 15. Here is basil's whole year, counted from those dates.
Mar 31Start seeds indoorsSpring
Apr 21Succession start 2Spring
May 5Transplant into the gardenSpring
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Rich, moist, warm soil. Basil sulks below 50°F — don't rush it outside.
Seedling care
Start 4 weeks before last frost and transplant only after nights stay warm.
Growing notes
Pinch the growing tip weekly to force branching; flower spikes turn the leaves bitter, so nip them.
Harvest
Harvest from the top down, never strip the bottom. A hard cut-back in midsummer brings a fresh flush.