When to plant Basil in Clinton County, MO
Clinton County's spring Basil window runs April 20 through May 11. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Basil in Clinton County, MO
Clinton County, Missouri gardeners: here's your June plan
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Time to start basil inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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It's harvest week for basil
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: basil
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.
Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 525 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 36.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
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 Clinton County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clinton County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
Basil Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Basil
Basil needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Basil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clinton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Basil Planting Timeline — Clinton County, MO
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Clinton County
Growing Tips for Basil in Clinton County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 13 in Clinton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Clinton County, MO?
Clinton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, MO?
Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Basil in Clinton County, MO?
In Clinton County, MO, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clinton County, MO for Basil?
Clinton County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Clinton County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 25.
Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.