FrostCal

When to Plant Basil in Washington

In a typical Washington location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 17, then transplant outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 8 in Port Townsend and as late as Jun 6 in Cheney.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 50–70 days

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

CityStart indoorsTransplant
SeattleJan 30 – Feb 6Mar 20 – Mar 27
Tri-CitiesMar 16 – Mar 23May 4 – May 11
SpokaneMar 15 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
TacomaJan 25 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
VancouverFeb 15 – Feb 22Apr 5 – Apr 12
BellevueJan 25 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
KentFeb 6 – Feb 13Mar 27 – Apr 3
EverettFeb 10 – Feb 17Mar 31 – Apr 7
RentonJan 30 – Feb 6Mar 20 – Mar 27
Federal WayJan 25 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
Spokane ValleyMar 15 – Mar 22May 3 – May 10
YakimaMar 27 – Apr 3May 15 – May 22
KirklandJan 25 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
BellinghamFeb 18 – Feb 25Apr 8 – Apr 15
KennewickFeb 14 – Feb 21Apr 4 – Apr 11
AuburnFeb 6 – Feb 13Mar 27 – Apr 3
PascoFeb 14 – Feb 21Apr 4 – Apr 11
MarysvilleFeb 10 – Feb 17Mar 31 – Apr 7
RedmondJan 25 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
LakewoodJan 28 – Feb 4Mar 18 – Mar 25
OlympiaMar 18 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
ShorelineJan 25 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
RichlandFeb 23 – Mar 2Apr 13 – Apr 20
South HillFeb 28 – Mar 7Apr 18 – Apr 25
SammamishJan 25 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
BurienJan 19 – Jan 26Mar 9 – Mar 16
LaceyMar 18 – Mar 25May 6 – May 13
City of SammamishFeb 16 – Feb 23Apr 6 – Apr 13
BothellJan 25 – Feb 1Mar 15 – Mar 22
EdmondsJan 26 – Feb 2Mar 16 – Mar 23

Showing the 30 most populous of 133 Washington cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Washington cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant basil in Washington?

In a typical Washington location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 17, then transplant outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 8 in Port Townsend and as late as Jun 6 in Cheney.

When is the last frost in Washington?

The average last spring frost in Washington ranges from March 1 in Port Townsend to May 30 in Cheney, 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 Washington

When to plant basil in other states

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