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Can You Grow Basil in Tennessee?

US · USDA Zone 6b · zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Tennessee last frost

mid-March

Tennessee first frost

mid-November

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in Tennessee

Start indoors

Feb 14

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

Apr 14 – May 14

Dates are approximate, based on Tennessee'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 Tennessee

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate transitioning to continental in the east. Nashville is Zone 7a; the Appalachians are Zone 6a-6b. Long productive growing seasons.

See what grows well in Tennessee →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Basil in Tennessee?

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

What zone is Tennessee?

Tennessee spans USDA Zone 6b (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).

When do you plant Basils in Tennessee?

Plant Basils around mid-March (start indoors Feb 14), harvest Apr 14 – May 14.