When to Plant Basil in Alabama
The king of herbs. Basil and tomatoes are best friends in the garden and in the kitchen.
The Short Answer
Alabama Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Alabama you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Alabama | 7a, 7b | Mar 25 - Apr 10 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
| Central Alabama | 7b, 8a | Mar 15 - Apr 1 | Nov 1 - Nov 15 |
| Southern Alabama | 8a, 8b | Feb 28 - Mar 15 | Nov 10 - Nov 25 |
Basil Planting Schedule for Alabama
Northern Alabama (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Central Alabama (Zones 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15
Southern Alabama (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25
Growing Basil in Alabama
Basil in Alabama's Climate
Basil thrives in your warm climate and can produce for 5-6 months or more. In the deep South, basil may survive mild winters in sheltered locations. African Blue basil and Thai basil handle heat better than sweet Genovese. Watch for downy mildew in humid conditions — it's become a significant basil disease in warm, humid climates over the past decade.
Soil Considerations for Alabama
Red clay soils in north, sandy loam in south. Amend with compost for drainage in clay areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting basil outside.
Alabama Climate & Growing Season
Long growing season. Hot, humid summers. Mild winters allow for fall and winter gardening in southern regions. Basil cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Alabama: Northern Alabama (7a, 7b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 10, while Southern Alabama (8a, 8b) sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. This difference matters for basil — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Pinch off flower buds to keep leaves producing. Harvest from the top down, cutting just above a leaf pair. Succession plant for season-long supply.
Companion Planting
Plant basil alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep basil away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026