When to plant Thai Basil in Eldon, MO
For Thai Basil in Eldon, the safe spring window opens around April 13 and closes around May 4. Last expected frost is April 6, first fall frost October 27, giving a 204-day growing season.
When to Plant Thai Basil in Eldon, 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.
Eldon, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 1,086 feet, Miller County receives approximately 30.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season.
Eldon Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Miller County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Eldon, MO
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 |
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 Miller County
Growing Tips for Eldon
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
When should I plant Thai Basil in Eldon, MO?
In Eldon, MO, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Eldon, MO for Thai Basil?
Eldon sits in USDA Zone 6b. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thai Basil grow in Eldon's climate?
Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Eldon's temperate climate. Eldon averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 27.
Your Miller County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Miller 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.