When to plant basil in zone 6b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Mar 23 · Sow May 4 · First harvest May 29 · Wrap by Aug 21

Last spring frostApr 20

Start seeds indoorsMar 23

Direct sowMay 4

First harvestMay 29

Last harvestAug 21

First fall frostOct 15

Why these dates work in zone 6b

Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 20 and first fall frost Oct 15 — about 178 frost-free days. Basil is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 4 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does basil take to grow in zone 6b?

Basil matures in about 25–35 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around May 4 and first picking around May 29.

Will basil survive frost in zone 6b?

No — basil is frost-sensitive. In zone 6b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 20) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full basil growing guide →