When to plant basil in Arlington
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Arlington's last spring frost of Apr 8.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 24 – Apr 14
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 12 – Jun 2
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 11 – Aug 10
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Arlington's 206-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
APR 8
NOV 3
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Arlington?
Direct-sow around mid May (May 12–Jun 2) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Arlington?
Expect to harvest from around mid July (Jul 11–Aug 10) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Arlington?
Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 24–Apr 14) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Arlington?
Transplant outdoors around mid May (May 12–Jun 2) in Arlington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.
How long is the growing season in Arlington?
Arlington has roughly 206 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 88/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.