When to Plant Basil in California
In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Dec 5 – Dec 12, then transplant outdoors Jan 23 – Jan 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 5 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 3 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
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
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| San Jose | Nov 21 – Nov 28 | Jan 9 – Jan 16 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Fresno | Dec 3 – Dec 10 | Jan 21 – Jan 28 |
| Sacramento | Dec 1 – Dec 8 | Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Bakersfield | Dec 20 – Dec 27 | Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Riverside | Nov 28 – Dec 5 | Jan 16 – Jan 23 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Stockton | Dec 25 – Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Fremont | Nov 26 – Dec 3 | Jan 14 – Jan 21 |
| San Bernardino | Dec 16 – Dec 23 | Feb 3 – Feb 10 |
| Fontana | Nov 29 – Dec 6 | Jan 17 – Jan 24 |
| Modesto | Dec 20 – Dec 27 | Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Moreno Valley | Dec 16 – Dec 23 | Feb 3 – Feb 10 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Glendale | Nov 21 – Nov 28 | Jan 9 – Jan 16 |
| Santa Clarita | Nov 27 – Dec 4 | Jan 15 – Jan 22 |
| Santa Rosa | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Nov 23 – Nov 30 | Jan 11 – Jan 18 |
| Ontario | Nov 23 – Nov 30 | Jan 11 – Jan 18 |
| Elk Grove | Dec 22 – Dec 29 | Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in California?
In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Dec 5 – Dec 12, then transplant outdoors Jan 23 – Jan 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 5 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 3 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, 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 California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant basil in other states