When to plant basil in Phoenix
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Phoenix's last spring frost of Jan 27.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Jan 6 – Jan 27
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Mar 14 – Apr 4
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 13 – Jun 12
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Phoenix's 314-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Phoenix'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 27
DEC 7
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Phoenix?
Direct-sow around mid March (Mar 14–Apr 4) in Phoenix, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Phoenix?
Expect to harvest from around mid May (May 13–Jun 12) in Phoenix, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 74%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Phoenix?
Start seeds indoors around early January (Jan 6–Jan 27) in Phoenix, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Phoenix?
Transplant outdoors around mid March (Mar 14–Apr 4) in Phoenix, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
How long is the growing season in Phoenix?
Phoenix has roughly 314 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 Phoenix's frost dates.
Confidence 82/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.