When to Plant Basil in North Dakota
In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 29 – Apr 5, then transplant outdoors May 17 – May 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 11 in Wahpeton and as late as May 28 in Beulah.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Bismarck | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Grand Forks | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Minot | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| West Fargo | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Williston | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Dickinson | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 27 – Jun 3 |
| Mandan | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Jamestown | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Wahpeton | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Devils Lake | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Watford City | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Valley City | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Minot Air Force Base | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Grafton | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Lincoln | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Beulah | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Rugby | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Stanley | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Horace | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 11 – May 18 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 North Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in North Dakota?
In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 29 – Apr 5, then transplant outdoors May 17 – May 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 11 in Wahpeton and as late as May 28 in Beulah.
When is the last frost in North Dakota?
The average last spring frost in North Dakota ranges from May 4 in Wahpeton to May 21 in Beulah, 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 North Dakota
- 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