When to Plant Basil in Nebraska
In a typical Nebraska location, start seeds indoors Mar 13 – Mar 20, then transplant outdoors May 1 – May 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Lincoln | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Bellevue | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Grand Island | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Kearney | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Fremont | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Hastings | Mar 11 – Mar 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Norfolk | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| North Platte | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Columbus | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Papillion | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| La Vista | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Scottsbluff | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| South Sioux City | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Beatrice | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Chalco | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Lexington | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Alliance | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Gering | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Elkhorn | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in Nebraska?
In a typical Nebraska location, start seeds indoors Mar 13 – Mar 20, then transplant outdoors May 1 – May 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.
When is the last frost in Nebraska?
The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska
- 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