When to Plant Basil in New Hampshire
In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Mar 22 – Mar 29, then transplant outdoors May 10 – May 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Salem and as late as May 21 in Berlin.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Nashua | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Concord | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| East Concord | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Derry Village | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Dover | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Rochester | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Salem | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Merrimack | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Keene | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Derry | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Portsmouth | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Bedford | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Laconia | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Lebanon | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Windham | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Claremont | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Pelham | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Somersworth | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Londonderry | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Durham | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Hampton | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Berlin | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Exeter | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 11 – May 18 |
Showing the 24 most populous of 24 New Hampshire cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New Hampshire cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in New Hampshire?
In a typical New Hampshire location, start seeds indoors Mar 22 – Mar 29, then transplant outdoors May 10 – May 17. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 28 in Salem and as late as May 21 in Berlin.
When is the last frost in New Hampshire?
The average last spring frost in New Hampshire ranges from April 21 in Salem to May 14 in Berlin, 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 New Hampshire
- 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