When to plant basil in Bristol
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Bristol's last spring frost of Apr 12.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 26 – Apr 16
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Jul 5 – Jul 26
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Sep 3 – Oct 3
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Bristol's 204-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Bristol's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
FROST
FROST
APR 12
NOV 11
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Bristol?
Direct-sow around early July (Jul 5–Jul 26) in Bristol, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Bristol?
Expect to harvest from around early September (Sep 3–Oct 3) in Bristol, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 75%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Bristol?
Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 26–Apr 16) in Bristol, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Bristol?
Transplant outdoors around early July (Jul 5–Jul 26) in Bristol, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
How long is the growing season in Bristol?
Bristol has roughly 204 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow basil to maturity outdoors.
The rule of thumb
Sow basil 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Bristol's frost dates.
Confidence 83/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.