When to plant basil in Austin
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Austin's last spring frost of Feb 15.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Feb 1 – Feb 22
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Mar 15 – Apr 5
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 14 – Jun 13
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Austin's 286-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Austin'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
FEB 15
DEC 2
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Austin?
Direct-sow around mid March (Mar 15–Apr 5) in Austin, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 88%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Austin?
Expect to harvest from around mid May (May 14–Jun 13) in Austin, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Austin?
Start seeds indoors around early February (Feb 1–Feb 22) in Austin, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Austin?
Transplant outdoors around mid March (Mar 15–Apr 5) in Austin, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 88%.
How long is the growing season in Austin?
Austin has roughly 286 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 Austin's frost dates.
Confidence 88/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.