When to plant basil in Tacoma
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Tacoma's last spring frost of Mar 8.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Feb 22 – Mar 15
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Jun 12 – Jul 3
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Aug 11 – Sep 10
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Tacoma's 246-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Tacoma'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 8
NOV 13
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Tacoma?
Direct-sow around mid June (Jun 12–Jul 3) in Tacoma, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Tacoma?
Expect to harvest from around mid August (Aug 11–Sep 10) in Tacoma, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Tacoma?
Start seeds indoors around late February (Feb 22–Mar 15) in Tacoma, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Tacoma?
Transplant outdoors around mid June (Jun 12–Jul 3) in Tacoma, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
How long is the growing season in Tacoma?
Tacoma has roughly 246 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 Tacoma's frost dates.
Confidence 85/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.