When to plant basil in District of Columbia
District of Columbia’s average last spring frost is April 10, and the first fall frost typically arrives around October 25 — about 198 frost-free days (USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a). Basil needs 30–60 days to mature, which fits comfortably within District of Columbia's growing season.
When to plant basil in District of Columbia: the short answer
For a spring planting, plant out Apr 17 – May 4, with seeds started indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13. Wait until the soil is at least 65°F and frost is over.
Succession sow again in District of Columbia: May 15 · Jun 5 · Jun 26 · Jul 17 · Aug 7 · Aug 28
Windows are ~1–2 week bands around each date. Frost dates are a statewide average from NOAA/NCEI normals; your town may differ by two weeks or more. Calendar year 2026.
How to grow basil in District of Columbia, step by step
- Start seeds indoors (Feb 27 – Mar 13). Sow seeds ⅛ inch deep in seed-starting mix under bright light. They take 5-10 days to sprout, fastest in soil around 80°F. Harden seedlings off for a week before they go outside.
- Prepare the bed. It needs at least six to eight hours of direct sun a day and loose soil at least 10 inches deep, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Dig in compost before planting.
- Plant out (Apr 17 – May 4). Space plants about 10 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. It is killed by frost, so nothing goes outside until the danger has passed.
- Water and feed. Give it steady, even moisture, about an inch of water a week from rain or the hose.
- Watch for pests and problems. Pests: aphids, Japanese beetle, slugs. Diseases and disorders: basil downy mildew, fusarium wilt, damping off.
- Harvest (from about May 24 – Jun 23). Basil takes 30-60 days to reach harvest. Cold soil stalls it - wait for warm nights. Pinch above a leaf pair every couple of weeks and remove flower buds to keep leaves coming. Downy mildew-resistant varieties are worth seeking out.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use District of Columbia’s average frost dates. More in the full basil growing guide.
Basil planting dates by USDA zone in District of Columbia
District of Columbia spans USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average, so the basil dates shift with them.
When to plant basil in nearby states
| State | Last frost | Plant out |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (this page) | April 10 | Apr 17 – May 4 |
| New Jersey | April 20 | Apr 27 – May 14 |
| Pennsylvania | May 1 | May 8 – May 25 |
| Delaware | April 14 | Apr 21 – May 8 |
| Maryland | April 14 | Apr 21 – May 8 |
| Virginia | April 15 | Apr 22 – May 9 |
| West Virginia | May 5 | May 12 – May 29 |
Questions gardeners in District of Columbia ask
When is the best time to plant basil in District of Columbia?
Plant basil transplants outdoors in District of Columbia between April 17 and May 4. That timing is set by District of Columbia's average last spring frost of April 10.
When should I start basil seeds indoors in District of Columbia?
Start seeds indoors between February 27 and March 13, about 5 weeks before the last frost, so the seedlings are ready to plant out from April 17.
What is the latest I can plant basil in District of Columbia?
About September 25. Basil needs at least 30 days to mature, and frost around October 25 ends the season, so later plantings risk being cut short.
When will basil planted in District of Columbia be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, basil is usually ready from about May 24 to June 23, 30-60 days after planting.
When is the last frost in District of Columbia?
On average around April 10, with the first fall frost around October 25 - about 198 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.