When to plant basil in Rhode Island
Rhode Island spans USDA zones 6b–7a, so the right time to plant basil shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 21 in Newport to May 6 in Pawtucket — below are local dates for 11 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 7a | April 11 | October 30 | April 25 – May 2 |
| Cranston | 7a | April 11 | October 30 | April 25 – May 2 |
| Warwick | 7a | April 11 | October 30 | April 25 – May 2 |
| Pawtucket | 7a | April 22 | October 19 | May 6 – May 13 |
| East Providence | 7a | April 11 | October 30 | April 25 – May 2 |
| Woonsocket | 6b | April 22 | October 19 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Newport | 7a | April 7 | November 13 | April 21 – April 28 |
| Central Falls | 7a | April 22 | October 19 | May 6 – May 13 |
Basil in Rhode Island: FAQ
When can I plant basil in Rhode Island?
Across Rhode Island, the time to transplant basil spans roughly April 21 in Newport to May 6 in Pawtucket, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the basil planting date vary across Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island publishes 11 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 Rhode Island?
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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