When to Plant Basil in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1, then transplant outdoors May 13 – May 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Tea and as late as May 19 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Rapid City | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Aberdeen | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Brookings | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Watertown | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Mitchell | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Yankton | Mar 16 – Mar 23 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Pierre | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Huron | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Spearfish | Mar 31 – Apr 7 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Vermillion | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Brandon | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Box Elder | Mar 31 – Apr 7 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Rapid Valley | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | Mar 31 – Apr 7 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Madison | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Sturgis | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Belle Fourche | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Harrisburg | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Tea | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1, then transplant outdoors May 13 – May 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 3 in Tea and as late as May 19 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South 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