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When to plant Basil in Hendry County, FL

Spring Basil in Hendry County goes in January 21–February 11, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Basil in Hendry County, FL

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.

Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 403 feet, Hendry County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 89°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.

Hendry County, FL (Zone 10a) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost January 14
91 growing days
First Fall Frost April 15

Hendry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

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 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Hendry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Basil Planting Timeline — Hendry County, FL

Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 3 Dec 3 – Dec 17
Transplant Outdoors January 21 Jan 21 – Feb 4
Direct Sow January 21 Jan 21 – Feb 11
Harvest March 18 Mar 18 – May 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October
November
December Start Indoors

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 10a

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Hendry County

Growing Tips for Hendry 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

  • Rue
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Basil Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let flower spikes dry brown on the plant.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Basil in Hendry County, FL?

Hendry County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 14. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hendry County, FL?

Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and first fall frost is .

When should I plant Basil in Hendry County, FL?

In Hendry County, FL, plant Basil after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hendry County, FL for Basil?

Hendry County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Basil grow in Hendry County's climate?

Yes — Basil grows well in Hendry County's temperate climate. Hendry County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.

🌱

Your Hendry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hendry County (Zone 10a). 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 Hendry County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.