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When to plant Basil in Bannock County, ID

In Bannock County, Basil is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 30–June 20 for an 50–75-day harvest, finishing well before the September 24 first frost.

When to Plant Basil in Bannock County, ID

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.

Bannock County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 124 days.

At an elevation of 5,637 feet, Bannock County receives approximately 13.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Basil successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Bannock County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
124 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
124 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Bannock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Basil Planting Timeline — Bannock County, ID

Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Transplant Outdoors June 6 Jun 6 – Jun 20
Direct Sow May 30 May 30 – Jun 20
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 – Oct 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

124 days in Bannock County

Growing Tips for Bannock 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 Bannock County, ID?

Bannock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bannock County, ID?

Bannock County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 24.

When should I plant Basil in Bannock County, ID?

In Bannock County, ID, plant Basil after the last frost (around May 23) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bannock County, ID for Basil?

Bannock County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Basil grow in Bannock County's climate?

Yes — Basil grows well in Bannock County's temperate climate. Bannock County averages a 124-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 23 and first frost around September 24.

🌱

Your Bannock County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bannock County (Zone 6a). 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 Bannock County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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