When to Plant Basil in Montana
In a typical Montana location, start seeds indoors Apr 2 – Apr 9, then transplant outdoors May 21 – May 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 12 in Laurel and as late as Jun 20 in Butte.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Billings | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Missoula | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Great Falls | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Bozeman | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Butte | May 2 – May 9 | Jun 20 – Jun 27 |
| Helena | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Kalispell | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | Jun 7 – Jun 14 |
| Havre | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Anaconda | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Jun 8 – Jun 15 |
| Miles City | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Helena Valley Southeast | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Belgrade | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Helena Valley West Central | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Evergreen | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | Jun 7 – Jun 14 |
| Livingston | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | Jun 3 – Jun 10 |
| Whitefish | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Laurel | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Sidney | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Lockwood | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Lewistown | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Montana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Montana cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in Montana?
In a typical Montana location, start seeds indoors Apr 2 – Apr 9, then transplant outdoors May 21 – May 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 12 in Laurel and as late as Jun 20 in Butte.
When is the last frost in Montana?
The average last spring frost in Montana ranges from May 5 in Laurel to June 13 in Butte, 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 Montana
- 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