When to plant basil in North Carolina
North Carolina spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant basil shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about March 29 in Goldsboro to May 16 in Boone — below are local dates for 96 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 8a | March 30 | November 3 | April 13 – April 20 |
| Raleigh | 8a | March 28 | November 8 | April 11 – April 18 |
| Greensboro | 8a | April 1 | November 4 | April 15 – April 22 |
| Durham | 8a | April 2 | November 4 | April 16 – April 23 |
| Winston-Salem | 8a | March 26 | November 9 | April 9 – April 16 |
| Fayetteville | 8a | March 30 | November 10 | April 13 – April 20 |
| Cary | 8a | March 27 | November 8 | April 10 – April 17 |
| Wilmington | 8b | March 19 | November 20 | April 2 – April 9 |
Basil in North Carolina: FAQ
When can I plant basil in North Carolina?
Across North Carolina, the time to transplant basil spans roughly March 29 in Goldsboro to May 16 in Boone, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the basil planting date vary across North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina publishes 96 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 North Carolina?
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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