When to plant basil in Minnesota
Minnesota spans USDA zones 3b–5a, so the right time to plant basil shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about May 5 in Winona to June 19 in Hibbing — below are local dates for 102 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 5a | April 23 | October 16 | May 7 – May 14 |
| St. Paul | 5a | April 24 | October 16 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Rochester | 4b | April 30 | October 6 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Bloomington | 5a | April 23 | October 18 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Duluth | 4b | May 14 | October 12 | May 28 – June 4 |
| Brooklyn Park | 5a | April 30 | October 8 | May 14 – May 21 |
| Plymouth | 5a | April 29 | October 12 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Woodbury | 5a | April 26 | October 12 | May 10 – May 17 |
Basil in Minnesota: FAQ
When can I plant basil in Minnesota?
Across Minnesota, the time to transplant basil spans roughly May 5 in Winona to June 19 in Hibbing, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the basil planting date vary across Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota publishes 102 cities with their own frost dates, so the right basil planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does basil take to grow in Minnesota?
Basil takes about 60–75 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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