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When to plant Thai Basil in Madison County, AR

Madison County gardeners should plant Thai Basil between April 13 and May 4 in spring. With Madison County's Zone 7b climate (last frost April 6), Thai Basil needs 50–75 days to mature — plant by August 15 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Madison 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.

Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 801 feet, Madison County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Thai Basil root diseases.

Madison County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
206 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Madison County, AR

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 – May 4
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

206 days in Madison County

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, AR?

Madison County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, AR?

Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.

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

In Madison County, AR, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Madison County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Thai Basil grow in Madison County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 7b). 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 Madison County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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