When to plant Basil in Madison County, MT
Plant Basil in Madison County, between June 18 and July 9 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (94 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Basil in Madison County, MT
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.
Madison County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
At an elevation of 6,394 feet, Madison County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Madison County, MT
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 9 |
| Direct Sow | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 9 |
| Harvest | August 20 | Aug 20 – Oct 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
94 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, MT?
Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 11. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, MT?
Madison County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 11 and first fall frost is September 13.
When should I plant Basil in Madison County, MT?
In Madison County, MT, plant Basil after the last frost (around June 11) and before the first frost (around September 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, MT for Basil?
Madison County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Madison County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 94-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 11 and first frost around September 13.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.