When to plant basil in Columbus
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Columbus's last spring frost of Apr 16.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 28 – Apr 18
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 17 – Jun 7
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 16 – Aug 15
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Columbus's 188-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Columbus'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 16
OCT 25
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Columbus?
Direct-sow around mid May (May 17–Jun 7) in Columbus, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Columbus?
Expect to harvest from around mid July (Jul 16–Aug 15) in Columbus, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Columbus?
Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 28–Apr 18) in Columbus, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Columbus?
Transplant outdoors around mid May (May 17–Jun 7) in Columbus, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.
How long is the growing season in Columbus?
Columbus has roughly 188 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 Columbus's frost dates.
Confidence 89/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.