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When to plant Basil in Laclede County, MO

Plant Basil in Laclede County from April 18 to May 9 in spring. Laclede County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 11 and first frost on October 22.

When to Plant Basil in Laclede County, MO

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.

Laclede County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 772 feet, Laclede County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.

Laclede County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Laclede County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Basil Planting Timeline — Laclede County, MO

Basil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Aug 22

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 6b

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Laclede County

Growing Tips for Laclede 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

  • Rue
  • Sage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Basil Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let flower spikes dry brown on the plant.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Basil in Laclede County, MO?

Laclede County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Laclede County, MO?

Laclede County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Basil in Laclede County, MO?

In Laclede County, MO, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Laclede County, MO for Basil?

Laclede 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 Laclede County's climate?

Yes — Basil grows well in Laclede County's temperate climate. Laclede County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 22.

🌱

Your Laclede County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Laclede 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.

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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 Laclede County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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