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Can You Grow Basil in Minnesota?

US · USDA Zone 4a · zones 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Minnesota last frost

late April

Minnesota first frost

early October

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in Minnesota

Start indoors

Mar 28

Transplant

Apr 25

Harvest

May 25 – Jun 24

Dates are approximate, based on Minnesota'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 Minnesota

Minnesota has a cold humid continental climate. The Twin Cities are Zone 4b-5a; northern Minnesota reaches Zone 2b-3a. Cold winters but warm productive summers.