When to plant basil in Houston
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Houston's last spring frost of Jan 26.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Jan 29 – Feb 19
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Mar 12 – Apr 2
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 11 – Jun 10
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Houston's 317-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Houston'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
JAN 26
DEC 9
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Houston?
Direct-sow around mid March (Mar 12–Apr 2) in Houston, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Houston?
Expect to harvest from around mid May (May 11–Jun 10) in Houston, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Houston?
Start seeds indoors around late January (Jan 29–Feb 19) in Houston, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Houston?
Transplant outdoors around mid March (Mar 12–Apr 2) in Houston, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
How long is the growing season in Houston?
Houston has roughly 317 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 Houston's frost dates.
Confidence 84/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.