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When to plant Thai Basil in Hempstead County, AR

Hempstead County's climate puts the Thai Basil spring window between March 28 and April 18. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Hempstead County, AR

Thai basil has a distinctive anise-licorice flavor with sturdy purple stems and small leaves. It is essential in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines.

Hempstead County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 1,302 feet, Hempstead County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season.

Hempstead County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Hempstead County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Hempstead County, AR

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Direct Sow March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 18
Harvest May 30 May 30 – Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

236 days in Hempstead County

Growing Tips for Hempstead County

Start seeds indoors or direct sow after last frost. Thai basil holds up better to heat in cooking than sweet basil. Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Rue
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thai Basil in Hempstead County, AR?

Hempstead County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hempstead County, AR?

Hempstead County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.

When should I plant Thai Basil in Hempstead County, AR?

In Hempstead County, AR, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around March 21) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hempstead County, AR for Thai Basil?

Hempstead County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Thai Basil grow in Hempstead County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Hempstead County's temperate climate. Hempstead County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 21 and first frost around November 12.

🌱

Your Hempstead County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hempstead County (Zone 8a). 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 Hempstead County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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