When to plant Thai Basil in Lyon County, MN
The best window to plant Thai Basil in Lyon County, is May 11–June 1, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 4; first frost October 2.
When to Plant Thai Basil in Lyon County, MN
Your June game plan for Lyon County, Minnesota
Here's what deserves your attention in Lyon County, Minnesota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Lyon County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 634 feet, Lyon County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thai Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Lyon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Thai Basil Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lyon County
How your county's soil matches Thai Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.2) overlaps with Thai Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lyon County is excellent for Thai Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Thai Basil will thrive.
How to Plant Thai Basil
Succession Planting Thai Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Thai Basil Water Budget
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lyon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thai Basil Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Lyon County, MN
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Lyon County
Growing Tips for Thai Basil in Lyon County
Direct sow Thai Basil outdoors after May 04 in Lyon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Thai Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thai Basil in Lyon County, MN?
Lyon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lyon County, MN?
Lyon County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Thai Basil in Lyon County, MN?
In Lyon County, MN, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lyon County, MN for Thai Basil?
Lyon County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thai Basil grow in Lyon County's climate?
Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Lyon County's temperate climate. Lyon County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 2.
Your Lyon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lyon 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.