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When to plant Thai Basil in Hamilton County, FL

Plant Thai Basil in Hamilton County from March 11 to April 1 in spring. Hamilton County sits in USDA Zone 9a, with last frost around March 4 and first frost on November 26.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Hamilton County, FL

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.

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 279 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Thai Basil will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Thai Basil root diseases.

Hamilton County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, FL

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 21 Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 – Apr 1
Harvest May 6 May 6 – Jul 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Thai Basil in Hamilton County, FL?

In Hamilton County, FL, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County, FL for Thai Basil?

Hamilton County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Thai Basil grow in Hamilton County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton County (Zone 9a). 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 Hamilton County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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