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When to plant Thai Basil in Scott County, MN

For Thai Basil in Scott County, the safe spring window opens around May 1 and closes around May 22. Last expected frost is April 24, first fall frost October 9, giving a 168-day growing season.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Scott County, MN

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.

Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.

At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Scott County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thai Basil to ensure they mature before fall.

Scott County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
168 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
168 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Scott County, MN

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Sep 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

168 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, MN?

Scott County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, MN?

Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Thai Basil in Scott County, MN?

In Scott County, MN, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County, MN for Thai Basil?

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

Can Thai Basil grow in Scott County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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 Scott County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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