When to Plant Basil in Wallowa County, OR
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.
Wallowa County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 1,240 feet, Wallowa County receives approximately 22.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Wallowa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.2
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 — Wallowa County, OR
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
134 days
Growing Tips for Wallowa 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 Wallowa County, OR?
Wallowa County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wallowa County, OR?
Wallowa County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wallowa County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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