When to plant basil in Indianapolis
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Indianapolis's last spring frost of Apr 17.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 29 – Apr 19
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 18 – Jun 8
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 17 – Aug 16
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Indianapolis's 178-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Indianapolis'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 14
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Indianapolis?
Direct-sow around mid May (May 18–Jun 8) in Indianapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Indianapolis?
Expect to harvest from around mid July (Jul 17–Aug 16) in Indianapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 75%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Indianapolis?
Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 29–Apr 19) in Indianapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Indianapolis?
Transplant outdoors around mid May (May 18–Jun 8) in Indianapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
How long is the growing season in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis has roughly 178 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 Indianapolis's frost dates.
Confidence 83/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.