When to plant basil in New Haven
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off New Haven's last spring frost of Apr 19.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Apr 6 – Apr 27
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Jun 2 – Jun 23
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Aug 1 – Aug 31
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
New Haven's 184-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on New Haven'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 19
OCT 19
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in New Haven?
Direct-sow around early June (Jun 2–Jun 23) in New Haven, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in New Haven?
Expect to harvest from around early August (Aug 1–Aug 31) in New Haven, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 75%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in New Haven?
Start seeds indoors around early April (Apr 6–Apr 27) in New Haven, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in New Haven?
Transplant outdoors around early June (Jun 2–Jun 23) in New Haven, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
How long is the growing season in New Haven?
New Haven has roughly 184 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 New Haven's frost dates.
Confidence 83/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.