When to Plant Thai Basil in Red River County, TX
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.
Red River County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.
At an elevation of 314 feet, Red River County receives approximately 60.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Thai Basil will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Thai Basil root diseases.
Red River County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Red River County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Red River County, TX
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
238 days in Red River County
Growing Tips for Red River 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Thai Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thai Basil in Red River County, TX?
Red River County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Red River County, TX?
Red River County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Red River County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Red River County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.