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Can You Grow Basil in Missouri?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Missouri last frost

early April

Missouri first frost

late October

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in Missouri

Start indoors

Mar 3

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

May 1 – May 31

Dates are approximate, based on Missouri'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 Missouri

Missouri has a humid continental climate. Kansas City and St. Louis are Zone 6a-6b; northern Missouri is cooler at Zone 5b-6a. Four distinct seasons with a long growing window.