When to plant basil in Newport News
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Newport News's last spring frost of Mar 13.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Feb 21 – Mar 14
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 22 – May 13
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jun 21 – Jul 21
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Newport News's 262-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Newport News'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
MAR 13
NOV 24
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Newport News?
Direct-sow around late April (Apr 22–May 13) in Newport News, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Newport News?
Expect to harvest from around late June (Jun 21–Jul 21) in Newport News, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 77%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Newport News?
Start seeds indoors around late February (Feb 21–Mar 14) in Newport News, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Newport News?
Transplant outdoors around late April (Apr 22–May 13) in Newport News, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.
How long is the growing season in Newport News?
Newport News has roughly 262 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 Newport News's frost dates.
Confidence 86/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.