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When to plant Basil in Webb, AL

For Basil in Webb, the safe spring window opens around March 13 and closes around April 3. Last expected frost is March 6, first fall frost November 19, giving a 258-day growing season.

When to Plant Basil in Webb, AL

Basil

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.

Webb, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.

At an elevation of 230 feet, Houston County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Basil may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Basil, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.

Webb, AL (Zone 9a) Long season
258 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
258 growing days
First Fall Frost November 19

Webb Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Basil

Basil needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Basil Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Houston County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Basil Planting Timeline — Webb, AL

Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 23 Jan 23 – Feb 6
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 – Apr 3
Harvest May 8 May 8 – Jul 10

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

258 days in Houston County

Growing Tips for Webb

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

  • Rue
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Basil Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let flower spikes dry brown on the plant.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.

When should I plant Basil in Webb, AL?

In Webb, AL, plant Basil after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Webb, AL for Basil?

Webb sits in USDA Zone 9a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Basil grow in Webb's climate?

Yes — Basil grows well in Webb's temperate climate. Webb averages a 258-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 19.

🌱

Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Houston County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Houston County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.