When to Plant Basil in DeKalb 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.
DeKalb County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 917 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
DeKalb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 — DeKalb County, MO
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
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 5b
Growing Season
187 days
Growing Tips for DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO?
DeKalb County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeKalb County, MO?
DeKalb County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help DeKalb County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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