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When to plant Thai Basil in Seward County, KS

For Seward County, gardeners: plant Thai Basil April 25 through May 16 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Seward 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.

Seward County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 860 feet, Seward County receives approximately 24.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season.

Seward County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Seward County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.2

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Seward County, KS

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

183 days in Seward County

Growing Tips for Seward 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 Seward County, KS?

Seward County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Seward County, KS?

Seward County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.

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

In Seward County, KS, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

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

Can Thai Basil grow in Seward County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Seward County's temperate climate. Seward County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.

🌱

Your Seward County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Seward County (Zone 6b). 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 Seward County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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