When to plant basil in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania 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 13 in Philadelphia to May 29 in Hermitage — below are local dates for 86 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 7b | March 30 | November 17 | April 13 – April 20 |
| Pittsburgh | 6b | April 18 | October 28 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Allentown | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Reading | 7a | April 14 | October 29 | April 28 – May 5 |
| Erie | 7a | April 26 | November 4 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Bethlehem | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Scranton | 6b | April 23 | October 20 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Lancaster | 7a | April 19 | October 24 | May 3 – May 10 |
Basil in Pennsylvania: FAQ
When can I plant basil in Pennsylvania?
Across Pennsylvania, the time to transplant basil spans roughly April 13 in Philadelphia to May 29 in Hermitage, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the basil planting date vary across Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania publishes 86 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 Pennsylvania?
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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