When to Plant Basil in Yolo County, CA
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.
Yolo County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 163 feet, Yolo County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Basil may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Yolo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Basil Planting Timeline — Yolo County, CA
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 29 | Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Direct Sow | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 9 |
| Harvest | April 13 | Apr 13 – Jun 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–75 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
297 days
Growing Tips for Yolo County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.
Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Basil in Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Yolo County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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