When to Plant Basil in Clay County, MO
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.
Clay County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,373 feet, Clay County receives approximately 33.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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
Basil Planting Timeline — Clay County, MO
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–75 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, MO?
Clay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, MO?
Clay County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clay County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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