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Can You Grow Basil in Alabama?

US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 7b, 8a, 8b

Grows well here

Basil thrives here — it loves the summer heat your zone provides.

Plant zones

4a–11b

Alabama last frost

mid-February

Alabama first frost

early December

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in Alabama

Start indoors

Jan 18

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

Mar 17 – Apr 16

Dates are approximate, based on Alabama's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Basil

Basil is the quintessential summer herb — heat-loving fast-growing and endlessly productive when harvested regularly.

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Pinch flower buds to keep the plant producing leaves. Never let it set seed. Water at the base — wet leaves cause disease. Loves heat.

Full basil growing guide →

Gardening in Alabama

Alabama has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. Most of the state supports year-round cool-season growing and a long warm season for vegetables.