When to plant Basil in Hancock County, MS
The best window to plant Basil in Hancock County, is March 11–April 1, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 4; first frost November 27.
When to Plant Basil in Hancock County, MS
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.
Hancock County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.
At an elevation of 373 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Basil will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Hancock County, MS
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 21 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – Jul 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
268 days in Hancock County
Growing Tips for Hancock 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 Hancock County, MS?
Hancock County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, MS?
Hancock County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Basil in Hancock County, MS?
In Hancock County, MS, plant Basil after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hancock County, MS for Basil?
Hancock County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Hancock County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Hancock County's temperate climate. Hancock County averages a 268-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 27.
Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hancock County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.