FrostCal

When to Plant Basil in Arizona

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Jan 2 – Jan 9, then transplant outdoors Feb 20 – Feb 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 50–70 days

Very frost/cold sensitive; start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost, transplant only after all danger of frost (1-2 weeks after) and nights stay warm.

Basil Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
PhoenixNov 24 – Dec 1Jan 12 – Jan 19
TucsonDec 9 – Dec 16Jan 27 – Feb 3
MesaJan 2 – Jan 9Feb 20 – Feb 27
ChandlerJan 2 – Jan 9Feb 20 – Feb 27
GilbertJan 2 – Jan 9Feb 20 – Feb 27
GlendaleDec 9 – Dec 16Jan 27 – Feb 3
ScottsdaleJan 2 – Jan 9Feb 20 – Feb 27
PeoriaDec 9 – Dec 16Jan 27 – Feb 3
TempeJan 2 – Jan 9Feb 20 – Feb 27
Tempe JunctionJan 2 – Jan 9Feb 20 – Feb 27
SurpriseDec 9 – Dec 16Jan 27 – Feb 3
YumaNov 27 – Dec 4Jan 15 – Jan 22
San Tan ValleyDec 21 – Dec 28Feb 8 – Feb 15
AvondaleNov 26 – Dec 3Jan 14 – Jan 21
GoodyearNov 26 – Dec 3Jan 14 – Jan 21
FlagstaffApr 23 – Apr 30Jun 11 – Jun 18
Casas AdobesJan 15 – Jan 22Mar 5 – Mar 12
Lake Havasu CityNov 24 – Dec 1Jan 12 – Jan 19
Casa GrandeDec 25 – Jan 1Feb 12 – Feb 19
BuckeyeNov 26 – Dec 3Jan 14 – Jan 21
Catalina FoothillsJan 9 – Jan 16Feb 27 – Mar 6
MaricopaJan 12 – Jan 19Mar 2 – Mar 9
Oro ValleyFeb 19 – Feb 26Apr 9 – Apr 16
Sierra VistaFeb 22 – Mar 1Apr 12 – Apr 19
Prescott ValleyMar 9 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
PrescottMar 19 – Mar 26May 7 – May 14
MaranaJan 12 – Jan 19Mar 2 – Mar 9
Bullhead CityNov 23 – Nov 30Jan 11 – Jan 18
Apache JunctionDec 31 – Jan 7Feb 18 – Feb 25
Sun CityDec 9 – Dec 16Jan 27 – Feb 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 72 Arizona cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Arizona cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant basil in Arizona?

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Jan 2 – Jan 9, then transplant outdoors Feb 20 – Feb 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Arizona?

The average last spring frost in Arizona ranges from January 4 in Bullhead City to June 4 in Flagstaff, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do basil take to grow?

Basil typically take 50–70 days from planting to harvest. Very frost/cold sensitive; start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost, transplant only after all danger of frost (1-2 weeks after) and nights stay warm.

Other Crops in Arizona

When to plant basil in other states

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