When to plant basil in Minneapolis
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Minneapolis's last spring frost of Apr 21.
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 27 – Jun 17
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 26 – Aug 25
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Minneapolis's 180-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Minneapolis'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 21
OCT 13
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Minneapolis?
Direct-sow around late May (May 27–Jun 17) in Minneapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Minneapolis?
Expect to harvest from around late July (Jul 26–Aug 25) in Minneapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Minneapolis?
Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 28–Apr 18) in Minneapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Minneapolis?
Transplant outdoors around late May (May 27–Jun 17) in Minneapolis, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
How long is the growing season in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has roughly 180 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 Minneapolis's frost dates.
Confidence 87/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.