When to plant Basil in Cascade, MO
In Cascade, plant Basil in spring between April 13 and May 4, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Cascade's last frost averages April 6, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 50–75 days before the first frost on November 1.
When to Plant Basil in Cascade, MO
This month in Wayne County, Missouri
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Wayne County, Missouri this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Pick basil
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: basil
Basil is a fragrant warm-season herb essential to Italian and Thai cuisines. It comes in many varieties including sweet, Thai, purple, and lemon types.
Cascade, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,103 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Cascade Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Cascade
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) overlaps with Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wayne County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Basil.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
Basil Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Basil
Basil needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Basil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 2.5" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Wayne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Basil Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Basil Planting Timeline — Cascade, MO
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Wayne County
Growing Tips for Basil in Cascade
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 06 in Wayne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow after last frost. Pinch flower buds to extend leaf production. Harvest leaves from the top down, cutting just above a leaf pair.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.
Basil in Other Locations
When should I plant Basil in Cascade, MO?
In Cascade, MO, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cascade, MO for Basil?
Cascade sits in USDA Zone 7a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Cascade's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Cascade's temperate climate. Cascade averages a 209-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around November 1.
Your Wayne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wayne County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.