When to Plant Basil in Vermont
In a typical Vermont location, start seeds indoors Mar 28 – Apr 4, then transplant outdoors May 16 – May 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 6 in Burlington and as late as May 27 in Morristown.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| South Burlington | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Colchester | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Rutland | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Essex Junction | Mar 21 – Mar 28 | May 9 – May 16 |
| Hartford | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Bennington | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 18 – May 25 |
| Barre | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Williston | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Montpelier | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 12 – May 19 |
| St Johnsbury | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Brattleboro | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Winooski | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Saint Albans | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Middlebury (village) | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Saint Johnsbury | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Morristown | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 27 – Jun 3 |
| Lyndon | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Rockingham | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Newport | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 21 – May 28 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Vermont cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Vermont cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in Vermont?
In a typical Vermont location, start seeds indoors Mar 28 – Apr 4, then transplant outdoors May 16 – May 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 6 in Burlington and as late as May 27 in Morristown.
When is the last frost in Vermont?
The average last spring frost in Vermont ranges from April 29 in Burlington to May 20 in Morristown, 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 Vermont
- 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