When to plant basil in Arlington
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Arlington's last spring frost of Mar 6.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Feb 20 – Mar 13
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 3 – Apr 24
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jun 2 – Jul 2
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Arlington's 266-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Arlington'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
MAR 6
NOV 23
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Arlington?
Direct-sow around early April (Apr 3–Apr 24) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Arlington?
Expect to harvest from around early June (Jun 2–Jul 2) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Arlington?
Start seeds indoors around mid February (Feb 20–Mar 13) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Arlington?
Transplant outdoors around early April (Apr 3–Apr 24) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
How long is the growing season in Arlington?
Arlington has roughly 266 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 Arlington's frost dates.
Confidence 84/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.