When to plant basil in Albuquerque
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Albuquerque's last spring frost of Apr 9.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 25 – Apr 15
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 9 – May 30
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 8 – Aug 7
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Albuquerque's 207-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Albuquerque'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 9
NOV 3
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Albuquerque?
Direct-sow around early May (May 9–May 30) in Albuquerque, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Albuquerque?
Expect to harvest from around early July (Jul 8–Aug 7) in Albuquerque, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Albuquerque?
Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 25–Apr 15) in Albuquerque, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Albuquerque?
Transplant outdoors around early May (May 9–May 30) in Albuquerque, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
How long is the growing season in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque has roughly 207 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 Albuquerque's frost dates.
Confidence 87/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.