When to plant basil in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Feb 15 · Sow Mar 29 · First harvest Apr 23 · Wrap by Jul 16

Last spring frostMar 15

Start seeds indoorsFeb 15

Direct sowMar 29

First harvestApr 23

Last harvestJul 16

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

Basil matures in about 25–35 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Mar 29 and first picking around Apr 23.

Will basil survive frost in zone 8b?

No — basil is frost-sensitive. In zone 8b, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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