When to Plant Thai Basil in Holt County, MO
Your May game plan for Holt County, Missouri
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Holt County, Missouri this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harden off and plant thai basil
Frost risk is low now in Holt County, Missouri. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: thai basil
- First harvests: thai basil
Thai basil has a distinctive anise-licorice flavor with sturdy purple stems and small leaves. It is essential in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines.
Holt County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 819 feet, Holt County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Thai Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Holt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Holt County
How your county's soil matches Thai Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Thai Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Holt County is excellent for Thai Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Thai Basil.
How to Plant Thai Basil
Succession Planting Thai Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Thai Basil
Thai Basil needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Thai Basil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Holt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thai 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.
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Holt County, MO
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Holt County
Growing Tips for Thai Basil in Holt County
Direct sow Thai Basil outdoors after April 21 in Holt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow after last frost. Thai basil holds up better to heat in cooking than sweet basil. Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Thai Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thai Basil in Holt County, MO?
Holt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Holt County, MO?
Holt County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 15.
Your Holt County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Holt 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.