Home › Basil › Grow in California

Can You Grow Basil in California?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in California

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Feb 9 – Mar 11

Dates are approximate, based on California'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 California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.