Planting guide · zone 8a
When to plant basil in zone 8a
In zone 8a, the average last spring frost is Mar 25 and the first fall frost is Nov 12. Here is basil's whole year, counted from those dates.
Feb 25Start seeds indoorsSpring
Mar 18Succession start 2Spring
Apr 1Transplant 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.