When to Plant Basil in Kansas
In a typical Kansas location, start seeds indoors Mar 2 – Mar 9, then transplant outdoors Apr 20 – Apr 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Kansas City and as late as May 5 in Garden City.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita | Feb 28 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Overland Park | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Kansas City | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Olathe | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Topeka | Mar 5 – Mar 12 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Lawrence | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Shawnee | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Manhattan | Mar 5 – Mar 12 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Lenexa | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Salina | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Hutchinson | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Leavenworth | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Leawood | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Dodge City | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Garden City | Mar 17 – Mar 24 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Emporia | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Junction City | Mar 1 – Mar 8 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Derby | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Prairie Village | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Hays | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Gardner | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Liberal | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Pittsburg | Feb 24 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Newton | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Great Bend | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| McPherson | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| El Dorado | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Andover | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Ottawa | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Winfield | Mar 5 – Mar 12 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 40 Kansas cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kansas cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in Kansas?
In a typical Kansas location, start seeds indoors Mar 2 – Mar 9, then transplant outdoors Apr 20 – Apr 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Kansas City and as late as May 5 in Garden City.
When is the last frost in Kansas?
The average last spring frost in Kansas ranges from April 4 in Kansas City to April 28 in Garden City, 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 Kansas
- 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