When to Plant Thai Basil in Pend Oreille County, WA
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.
Pend Oreille County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 3,807 feet, Pend Oreille County receives approximately 13.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°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.
Pend Oreille County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pend Oreille County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Pend Oreille County, WA
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Pend Oreille County
Growing Tips for Pend Oreille 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 Pend Oreille County, WA?
Pend Oreille County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pend Oreille County, WA?
Pend Oreille County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 23.
Your Pend Oreille County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pend Oreille County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.