When to plant basil in Des Moines
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Des Moines's last spring frost of Apr 17.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 27 – Apr 17
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
Des Moines's 179-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Des Moines'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 17
OCT 16
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Des Moines?
Direct-sow around mid May (May 17–Jun 7) in Des Moines, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Des Moines?
Expect to harvest from around mid July (Jul 16–Aug 15) in Des Moines, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Des Moines?
Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 27–Apr 17) in Des Moines, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Des Moines?
Transplant outdoors around mid May (May 17–Jun 7) in Des Moines, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.
How long is the growing season in Des Moines?
Des Moines has roughly 179 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 Des Moines's frost dates.
Confidence 89/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.