When to plant basil in zone 7b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7B

Growing SeasonZone 7b

Last frost ~Apr 5First frost ~Nov 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 8 · Sow Apr 19 · First harvest May 14 · Wrap by Aug 6

Last spring frostApr 5

Start seeds indoorsMar 8

Direct sowApr 19

First harvestMay 14

Last harvestAug 6

First fall frostNov 1

Why these dates work in zone 7b

Zone 7b's last spring frost averages Apr 5 and first fall frost Nov 1 — about 210 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 7b?

Basil matures in about 25–35 days from sowing. In zone 7b that means sowing around Apr 19 and first picking around May 14.

Will basil survive frost in zone 7b?

No — basil is frost-sensitive. In zone 7b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 5) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 1).

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