When to Plant Basil in Yamhill 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.
Yamhill County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 476 feet, Yamhill County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.
Yamhill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
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 — Yamhill County, OR
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 26 |
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 8a
Growing Season
195 days
Growing Tips for Yamhill 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 Yamhill County, OR?
Yamhill County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yamhill County, OR?
Yamhill County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Yamhill County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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