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When to plant Basil in Fillmore County, MN

Fillmore County gardeners should plant Basil between May 10 and May 31 in spring. With Fillmore County's Zone 4b climate (last frost May 3), Basil needs 50–75 days to mature — plant by July 23 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Basil in Fillmore County, MN

Basil

Basil is a fragrant warm-season herb essential to Italian and Thai cuisines. It comes in many varieties including sweet, Thai, purple, and lemon types.

Fillmore County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 870 feet, Fillmore County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall.

Fillmore County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Fillmore County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Basil Planting Timeline — Fillmore County, MN

Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 – Jun 7
Direct Sow May 10 May 10 – May 31
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Sep 20

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 Transplant Outdoors
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

156 days in Fillmore County

Growing Tips for Fillmore County

Start seeds indoors or direct sow after last frost. Pinch flower buds to extend leaf production. Harvest leaves from the top down, cutting just above a leaf pair.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Rue
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Basil Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let flower spikes dry brown on the plant.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Basil in Fillmore County, MN?

Fillmore County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fillmore County, MN?

Fillmore County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Basil in Fillmore County, MN?

In Fillmore County, MN, plant Basil after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fillmore County, MN for Basil?

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

Can Basil grow in Fillmore County's climate?

Yes — Basil grows well in Fillmore County's temperate climate. Fillmore County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Fillmore County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fillmore County (Zone 4b). 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 Fillmore County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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