When to Plant Thai Basil in Manitowoc County, WI
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.
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 661 feet, Manitowoc County receives approximately 39.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season.
Manitowoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Manitowoc County, WI
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
165 days
Growing Tips for Manitowoc 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
Level Up Your Garden
Thai Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Thai Basil in Manitowoc County, WI?
Manitowoc County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Thai Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Manitowoc County, WI?
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Manitowoc County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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