When to plant basil in Richmond
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Richmond's last spring frost of Apr 1.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 8 – Mar 29
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29 – May 20
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jun 28 – Jul 28
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Richmond's 217-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Richmond'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 1
NOV 4
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Richmond?
Direct-sow around late April (Apr 29–May 20) in Richmond, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Richmond?
Expect to harvest from around late June (Jun 28–Jul 28) in Richmond, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Richmond?
Start seeds indoors around early March (Mar 8–Mar 29) in Richmond, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Richmond?
Transplant outdoors around late April (Apr 29–May 20) in Richmond, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.
How long is the growing season in Richmond?
Richmond has roughly 217 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 Richmond's frost dates.
Confidence 88/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.