When to Plant Basil in Florida
In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Dec 14 – Dec 21, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | Dec 21 – Dec 28 | Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Miami | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Tampa | Dec 9 – Dec 16 | Jan 27 – Feb 3 |
| Orlando | Dec 6 – Dec 13 | Jan 24 – Jan 31 |
| St. Petersburg | Dec 6 – Dec 13 | Jan 24 – Jan 31 |
| Hialeah | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Tallahassee | Jan 28 – Feb 4 | Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Fort Lauderdale | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Cape Coral | Dec 5 – Dec 12 | Jan 23 – Jan 30 |
| Pembroke Pines | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Port Saint Lucie | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Hollywood | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Gainesville | Jan 20 – Jan 27 | Mar 10 – Mar 17 |
| Miramar | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Coral Springs | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| West Palm Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Palm Bay | Dec 5 – Dec 12 | Jan 23 – Jan 30 |
| Clearwater | Dec 6 – Dec 13 | Jan 24 – Jan 31 |
| Miami Gardens | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Pompano Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Lakeland | Dec 15 – Dec 22 | Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Brandon | Dec 19 – Dec 26 | Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Davie | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Spring Hill | Dec 25 – Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Boca Raton | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Plantation | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Miami Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Deltona | Dec 15 – Dec 22 | Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Lehigh Acres | Dec 6 – Dec 13 | Jan 24 – Jan 31 |
| Melbourne | Dec 9 – Dec 16 | Jan 27 – Feb 3 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 351 Florida cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Florida cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in Florida?
In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Dec 14 – Dec 21, then transplant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in Florida?
The average last spring frost in Florida ranges from January 15 in Sarasota to March 21 in Crestview, 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 Florida
- 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