Planting guide · zone 9b
When to plant basil in zone 9b
In zone 9b, the average last spring frost is Feb 14 and the first fall frost is Dec 12. Here is basil's whole year, counted from those dates.
Jan 17Start seeds indoorsSpring
Feb 7Succession start 2Spring
Feb 21Transplant 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.