When to plant Thai Basil in Dickinson County, IA
Spring Thai Basil in Dickinson County goes in May 7–May 28, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Thai Basil in Dickinson County, IA
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.
Dickinson County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,311 feet, Dickinson County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thai Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Dickinson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Dickinson County, IA
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Dickinson County
Growing Tips for Dickinson 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Thai Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thai Basil in Dickinson County, IA?
Dickinson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dickinson County, IA?
Dickinson County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Thai Basil in Dickinson County, IA?
In Dickinson County, IA, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dickinson County, IA for Thai Basil?
Dickinson County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thai Basil grow in Dickinson County's climate?
Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Dickinson County's temperate climate. Dickinson County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 6.
Your Dickinson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dickinson County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.