When to Plant Basil in Massachusetts
In a typical Massachusetts location, start seeds indoors Mar 14 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors May 2 – May 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Boston and as late as May 17 in North Adams.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Worcester | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Springfield | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Lowell | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Cambridge | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| New Bedford | Feb 28 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Dorchester | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Brockton | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Fall River | Feb 28 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Quincy | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Lynn | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Newton | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Somerville | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Lawrence | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Framingham | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Framingham Center | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Waltham | Mar 17 – Mar 24 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Haverhill | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Malden | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Brookline | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Medford | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Taunton | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Chicopee | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| North Chicopee | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Weymouth | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Revere | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Peabody | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Methuen | Mar 2 – Mar 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| South Peabody | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Barnstable | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 183 Massachusetts cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Massachusetts cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in Massachusetts?
In a typical Massachusetts location, start seeds indoors Mar 14 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors May 2 – May 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Boston and as late as May 17 in North Adams.
When is the last frost in Massachusetts?
The average last spring frost in Massachusetts ranges from April 4 in Boston to May 10 in North Adams, 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 Massachusetts
- 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