Herb

When to Plant Basil in Georgia

The king of herbs. Basil and tomatoes are best friends in the garden and in the kitchen.

The Short Answer

Basil thrives in Georgia's long, warm growing season, producing from May through October in the Piedmont and even longer in south Georgia. The herb's natural affinity for heat makes it one of the easiest crops to grow in the Georgia summer — a welcome change from the heat-management challenges that plague many vegetables during July and August.

Georgia Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Georgia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Basil Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Basil in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Transplant basil outside from mid-April (south Georgia) through mid-May (mountains) after nighttime lows are consistently above 50°F. In the Piedmont around Atlanta, early May is typically safe. Georgia's red clay holds moisture that basil doesn't appreciate — plant in raised beds or containers with well-drained soil. Full sun is essential. Pinch flower buds aggressively — Georgia's warm temperatures trigger frequent flowering. Some Georgia gardeners shear entire plants back by one-third in midsummer to rejuvenate production for a strong fall harvest.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Genovese for pesto and Italian cooking. Thai Basil for stir-fries — it handles Georgia heat and humidity well. For downy mildew resistance, try Prospera, Devotion, or Amazel. Purple Basil (Dark Opal) adds color to summer gardens. UGA Extension recommends succession planting every 3-4 weeks for continuous supply.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Downy mildew is aggressive in Georgia's humid summers. Japanese beetles are abundant in the Piedmont — they defoliate basil quickly. Slugs in moist, shaded areas. Root rot in Piedmont clay that stays too wet. Despite the challenges, basil's love of heat means vigorous growth usually outpaces pest and disease damage in Georgia.

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:

Tomatoes Peppers Oregano

Keep basil away from:

Sage

The Bottom Line

Basil can be grown successfully in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Basil Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Basil in Alabama Alabama planting dates Basil in Alaska Alaska planting dates Basil in Arizona Arizona planting dates Basil in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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