When to plant Basil in Lee County, MS
In Lee County, plant Basil in spring between April 2 and April 23, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Lee 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 Lee 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.
Lee 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 72 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Lee 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 Lee County
Growing Tips for Lee 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 Lee County, MS?
Lee 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 Lee County, MS?
Lee 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 Lee County, MS?
In Lee 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 Lee County, MS for Basil?
Lee 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 Lee County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 2.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee 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.