When to Plant Basil in Hawaii
The king of herbs. Basil and tomatoes are best friends in the garden and in the kitchen.
The Short Answer
Hawaii Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Hawaii you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Hawaii | 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a | None | None |
| Upcountry/Mountain | 10a, 10b, 11a | Rare | Rare |
Basil Planting Schedule for Hawaii
Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)
Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None
Upcountry/Mountain (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)
Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare
Growing Basil in Hawaii
Basil in Hawaii's Climate
Basil grows nearly year-round in subtropical zones. The challenge isn't cold but humidity — downy mildew thrives in warm, wet conditions. Choose resistant varieties and provide good air circulation. In south Florida and Hawaii, basil is perennial — plants survive winter and continue producing for years.
Soil Considerations for Hawaii
Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and elevation. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting basil outside.
Hawaii Climate & Growing Season
Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. 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 Hawaii: Coastal Hawaii (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a) has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain (10a, 10b, 11a) sees frost end around Rare. 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