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When to plant Thai Basil in Bourbon County, KY

Plant Thai Basil in Bourbon County from April 23 to May 14 in spring. Bourbon County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 16 and first frost on October 26.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Bourbon County, KY

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.

Bourbon County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 3,419 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 46.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season.

Bourbon County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Bourbon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Bourbon County, KY

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors 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

193 days in Bourbon County

Growing Tips for Bourbon 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 Bourbon County, KY?

Bourbon County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bourbon County, KY?

Bourbon County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Thai Basil in Bourbon County, KY?

In Bourbon County, KY, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bourbon County, KY for Thai Basil?

Bourbon 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 Bourbon County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Bourbon County's temperate climate. Bourbon County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Bourbon County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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