When to plant Basil in Saline County, MO
Saline County gardeners should plant Basil between April 20 and May 11 in spring. With Saline County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 13), Basil needs 50–75 days to mature — plant by August 10 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Basil in Saline 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.
Saline County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,385 feet, Saline County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Saline County, MO
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
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
194 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, MO?
Saline County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, MO?
Saline County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Basil in Saline County, MO?
In Saline County, MO, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saline County, MO for Basil?
Saline 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 Saline County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saline 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.