When to Plant Basil in Mariposa County, CA
May to-do list for Mariposa County, California
Your garden in Mariposa County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Get basil seeds going inside
You're about 26 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: 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.
Mariposa County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 192 feet, Mariposa County receives approximately 19.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Basil successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Mariposa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Mariposa County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.5) overlaps with Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Mariposa County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Basil
Basil needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Basil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 1.6" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.6" | 0.5" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.6" | 0.1" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 0" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 0" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.6" | 0.2" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.6" | 0.9" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.6" | 1.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Mariposa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Basil Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Basil Planting Timeline — Mariposa County, CA
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| 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
0.6"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Mariposa County
Growing Tips for Basil in Mariposa County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 18 in Mariposa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Mariposa County, CA?
Mariposa County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mariposa County, CA?
Mariposa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Mariposa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mariposa County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.