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When to plant Thai Basil in Fremont County, IA

Fremont County's climate puts the Thai Basil spring window between May 1 and May 22. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Fremont 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.

Fremont County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.

At an elevation of 1,032 feet, Fremont County receives approximately 35.2 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.

Fremont County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
169 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
169 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Fremont County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Fremont County, IA

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Sep 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

169 days in Fremont County

Growing Tips for Fremont 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 Fremont County, IA?

Fremont County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fremont County, IA?

Fremont County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 10.

When should I plant Thai Basil in Fremont County, IA?

In Fremont County, IA, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fremont County, IA for Thai Basil?

Fremont County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Thai Basil grow in Fremont County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Fremont County's temperate climate. Fremont County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 10.

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Your Fremont County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fremont 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.

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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 Fremont County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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