When to plant basil in Wilmington
Basil is frost-tender, so every date keys off Wilmington's last spring frost of Apr 6.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 14 – Apr 4
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 13 – Jun 3
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 12 – Aug 11
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
60 – 90 d
Wilmington's 214-day season leaves this much room.
Basil on Wilmington'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 6
NOV 8
Common questions
When can I sow basil outdoors in Wilmington?
Direct-sow around mid May (May 13–Jun 3) in Wilmington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.
When will basil be ready to harvest in Wilmington?
Expect to harvest from around mid July (Jul 12–Aug 11) in Wilmington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in Wilmington?
Start seeds indoors around mid March (Mar 14–Apr 4) in Wilmington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.
When can I transplant basil outdoors in Wilmington?
Transplant outdoors around mid May (May 13–Jun 3) in Wilmington, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 86%.
How long is the growing season in Wilmington?
Wilmington has roughly 214 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 Wilmington's frost dates.
Confidence 89/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.