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Can You Grow Basil in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in Illinois

Start indoors

Mar 10

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

May 7 – Jun 6

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois'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 Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.