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When to plant Thai Basil in Howell County, MO

For Thai Basil in Howell County, the safe spring window opens around April 16 and closes around May 7. Last expected frost is April 9, first fall frost October 25, giving a 199-day growing season.

When to Plant Thai Basil in Howell County, MO

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.

Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 696 feet, Howell County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season.

Howell County, MO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Howell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Howell County, MO

Thai Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Aug 20

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Howell County

Growing Tips for Howell County

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

  • Rue
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Thai Basil in Howell County, MO?

Howell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Howell County, MO?

Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Thai Basil in Howell County, MO?

In Howell County, MO, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Howell County, MO for Thai Basil?

Howell County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Thai Basil grow in Howell County's climate?

Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Howell County's temperate climate. Howell County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Howell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Howell County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Howell County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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