When to Plant Thai Basil in Davis County, UT
This month in Davis County, Utah
June is a pivotal month for Davis County, Utah gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Start thai basil under lights
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: thai basil
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.
Davis County, Utah is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 4,567 feet, Davis County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Thai Basil successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Davis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Thai Basil Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Davis County
How your county's soil matches Thai Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) is more alkaline than Thai Basil prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Davis County is excellent for Thai Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Thai Basil.
How to Plant Thai Basil
Succession Planting Thai Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
Thai Basil Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Davis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thai Basil Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Davis County, UT
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Davis County
Growing Tips for Thai Basil in Davis County
Direct sow Thai Basil outdoors after May 06 in Davis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Davis County receives only 17" of rain annually. Thai Basil needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Davis County, UT?
Davis County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Davis County, UT?
Davis County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Davis County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.