When to plant basil in Missouri
Missouri spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant basil shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 9 in Sikeston to May 5 in Kirksville — below are local dates for 87 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 6b | April 4 | November 2 | April 18 – April 25 |
| St. Louis | 7a | April 1 | November 4 | April 15 – April 22 |
| Springfield | 7a | April 4 | October 27 | April 18 – April 25 |
| Columbia | 6b | April 5 | October 31 | April 19 – April 26 |
| Independence | 6b | April 10 | October 27 | April 24 – May 1 |
| Lee's Summit | 6b | April 7 | October 29 | April 21 – April 28 |
| O'Fallon | 6b | April 10 | October 26 | April 24 – May 1 |
| St. Charles | 6b | April 8 | October 29 | April 22 – April 29 |
Basil in Missouri: FAQ
When can I plant basil in Missouri?
Across Missouri, the time to transplant basil spans roughly April 9 in Sikeston to May 5 in Kirksville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the basil planting date vary across Missouri?
Yes. Missouri publishes 87 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 Missouri?
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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