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When to plant Thai Basil in Ness County, KS

For Ness County, gardeners: plant Thai Basil April 28 through May 19 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Ness County, KS

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.

Ness County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 668 feet, Ness County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season.

Ness County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Ness County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Thai Basil

Thai 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 Thai Basil Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Ness County, KS

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 – May 19
Direct Sow April 28 Apr 28 – May 19
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Sep 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

📆 Growing Season

178 days in Ness County

Growing Tips for Ness 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 Ness County, KS?

Ness County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ness County, KS?

Ness County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Thai Basil in Ness County, KS?

In Ness County, KS, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ness County, KS for Thai Basil?

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

Can Thai Basil grow in Ness County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Ness County's temperate climate. Ness County averages a 178-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Ness County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ness 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 Ness County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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