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Can You Grow Basil in Arizona?

US · USDA Zone 9a · zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Arizona last frost

late January

Arizona first frost

late December

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in Arizona

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 20

Harvest

Feb 19 – Mar 21

Dates are approximate, based on Arizona'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 Arizona

Arizona spans dramatic climate zones from cool mountain forests to hot desert. Low-elevation cities like Phoenix grow year-round; high-elevation areas are Zone 5-6.

See what grows well in Arizona →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Basil in Arizona?

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

What zone is Arizona?

Arizona spans USDA Zone 9a (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a).

When do you plant Basils in Arizona?

Plant Basils around late January (start indoors Jan 1), harvest Feb 19 – Mar 21.