When to plant Basil in Samoa, CA
In Samoa, plant Basil in spring between March 6 and March 27, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Samoa's last frost averages February 27, 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 November 28.
When to Plant Basil in Samoa, CA
Humboldt County, California gardeners: here's your June plan
Welcome to June in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: basil
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Samoa, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.
At an elevation of 148 feet, Humboldt County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Basil will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Samoa Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Humboldt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Basil Planting Timeline — Samoa, CA
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | May 1 | May 1 – Jul 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
274 days in Humboldt County
Growing Tips for Samoa
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
When should I plant Basil in Samoa, CA?
In Samoa, CA, plant Basil after the last frost (around February 27) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Samoa, CA for Basil?
Samoa sits in USDA Zone 9b. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Samoa's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Samoa's temperate climate. Samoa averages a 275-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 27 and first frost around November 28.
Your Humboldt County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Humboldt 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.