When to plant Basil in Cole County, MO
Cole County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Basil between April 14 (after last frost on April 7) and May 5.
When to Plant Basil in Cole County, MO
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.
Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 614 feet, Cole County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Cole County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Cole County, MO
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Cole County
Growing Tips for Cole 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 Cole County, MO?
Cole County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cole County, MO?
Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Basil in Cole County, MO?
In Cole County, MO, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cole County, MO for Basil?
Cole County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Cole County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Cole County's temperate climate. Cole County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 28.
Your Cole County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cole County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.