FrostCal

When to Plant Basil in Connecticut

In a typical Connecticut location, start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 14, then transplant outdoors Apr 25 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 12 in Bridgeport and as late as May 15 in Torrington.

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
BridgeportFeb 22 – Mar 1Apr 12 – Apr 19
New HavenMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
StamfordMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
North StamfordMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
HartfordMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
WaterburyMar 15 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
NorwalkMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
DanburyMar 9 – Mar 16Apr 27 – May 4
East NorwalkMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
New BritainMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
West HartfordMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
BristolMar 14 – Mar 21May 2 – May 9
MeridenMar 15 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
HamdenMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 25 – May 2
FairfieldFeb 22 – Mar 1Apr 12 – Apr 19
West HavenMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
MilfordFeb 22 – Mar 1Apr 12 – Apr 19
StratfordFeb 22 – Mar 1Apr 12 – Apr 19
City of Milford (balance)Feb 22 – Mar 1Apr 12 – Apr 19
East HartfordMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
MiddletownMar 15 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
EnfieldMar 10 – Mar 17Apr 28 – May 5
SouthingtonMar 15 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
SheltonMar 14 – Mar 21May 2 – May 9
NorwichMar 3 – Mar 10Apr 21 – Apr 28
TrumbullFeb 22 – Mar 1Apr 12 – Apr 19
West TorringtonMar 27 – Apr 3May 15 – May 22
TorringtonMar 27 – Apr 3May 15 – May 22
GlastonburyMar 6 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 1
NaugatuckMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 25 – May 2

Showing the 30 most populous of 86 Connecticut cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Connecticut cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant basil in Connecticut?

In a typical Connecticut location, start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 14, then transplant outdoors Apr 25 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 12 in Bridgeport and as late as May 15 in Torrington.

When is the last frost in Connecticut?

The average last spring frost in Connecticut ranges from April 5 in Bridgeport to May 8 in Torrington, 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 Connecticut

When to plant basil in other states

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