When to plant basil in Bakersfield
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Bakersfield's last spring frost of Feb 3.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Jan 22 – Feb 12
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 9 – Apr 30
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jun 8 – Jul 8
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Bakersfield's 315-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Bakersfield'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 3
DEC 8
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Bakersfield?
Direct-sow around early April (Apr 9–Apr 30) in Bakersfield, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Bakersfield?
Expect to harvest from around early June (Jun 8–Jul 8) in Bakersfield, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 77%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Bakersfield?
Start seeds indoors around late January (Jan 22–Feb 12) in Bakersfield, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Bakersfield?
Transplant outdoors around early April (Apr 9–Apr 30) in Bakersfield, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.
How long is the growing season in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has roughly 315 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 Bakersfield's frost dates.
Confidence 86/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.