Home › Basil › Grow in Virginia

Can You Grow Basil in Virginia?

US · USDA Zone 7a · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

4a–11b

Virginia last frost

early March

Virginia first frost

late November

Days to harvest

30–60 days

When to plant Basils in Virginia

Start indoors

Feb 7

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

Apr 6 – May 6

Dates are approximate, based on Virginia'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 Virginia

Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.