When to plant Basil in Itawamba County, MS
In Itawamba County, plant Basil in spring between April 2 and April 23, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Itawamba County's last frost averages March 26, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 50–75 days before the first frost on November 2.
When to Plant Basil in Itawamba 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.
Itawamba County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 385 feet, Itawamba County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Basil, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.
Itawamba County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Itawamba County, MS
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Itawamba County
Growing Tips for Itawamba 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 Itawamba County, MS?
Itawamba County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Itawamba County, MS?
Itawamba County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Basil in Itawamba County, MS?
In Itawamba County, MS, plant Basil after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Itawamba County, MS for Basil?
Itawamba County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Itawamba County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Itawamba County's temperate climate. Itawamba County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 2.
Your Itawamba County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Itawamba County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.