When to Plant Basil in Queens County, NY
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.
Queens County, New York is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 782 feet, Queens County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Queens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 — Queens County, NY
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
228 days
Growing Tips for Queens 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 Queens County, NY?
Queens County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Queens County, NY?
Queens County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Queens County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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