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Can You Grow Basil in Ohio?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Ohio last frost

early April

Ohio first frost

late October

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in Ohio

Start indoors

Mar 10

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

May 7 – Jun 6

Dates are approximate, based on Ohio'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 Ohio

Ohio has a humid continental climate. Northern Ohio near Lake Erie is Zone 6a; inland areas are Zone 5b. Four seasons with a productive 6-month growing window.