When to plant Basil in Chaffee County County,
In Chaffee County County, Basil is a spring-only crop. Plant June 23–July 14 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Basil in Chaffee County, CO
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.
Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 7,788 feet, Chaffee County receives approximately 18.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°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.
Chaffee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Chaffee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Basil Planting Timeline — Chaffee County, CO
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Direct Sow | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Chaffee County
Growing Tips for Chaffee 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 Chaffee County, CO?
Chaffee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chaffee County, CO?
Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Basil in Chaffee County County, ?
In Chaffee County County, , plant Basil after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Chaffee County County, for Basil?
Chaffee County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Chaffee County County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Chaffee County County's temperate climate. Chaffee County County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.
Your Chaffee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chaffee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.