When to plant Basil in La Paz County, AZ
In La Paz County, plant Basil in spring between February 9 and March 2, once soil temps hold above 50°F. La Paz County's last frost averages February 2, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 50–75 days before the first frost on December 6.
When to Plant Basil in La Paz County, AZ
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.
La Paz County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 307 days.
At an elevation of 4,875 feet, La Paz County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 105°F, so Basil may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Basil will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Basil successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
La Paz County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — La Paz County, AZ
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 22 | Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 6 | Apr 6 – Jun 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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
307 days in La Paz County
Growing Tips for La Paz 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.
Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Basil in La Paz County, AZ?
La Paz County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Paz County, AZ?
La Paz County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 6.
When should I plant Basil in La Paz County, AZ?
In La Paz County, AZ, plant Basil after the last frost (around February 2) and before the first frost (around December 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is La Paz County, AZ for Basil?
La Paz County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in La Paz County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in La Paz County's temperate climate. La Paz County averages a 308-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 2 and first frost around December 6.
Your La Paz County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for La Paz 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.