When to plant Basil in Houston County, MN
Houston County's climate puts the Basil spring window between May 10 and May 31. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Basil in Houston County, MN
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.
Houston County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. 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 558 feet, Houston County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Houston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Houston County, MN
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Houston County
Growing Tips for Houston 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.
Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Basil in Houston County, MN?
Houston County is in Zone 5a 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 Houston County, MN?
Houston County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Basil in Houston County, MN?
In Houston 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 Houston County, MN for Basil?
Houston County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Houston County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Houston County's temperate climate. Houston County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.
Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Houston County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.