When to Plant Basil in Louisiana
The king of herbs. Basil and tomatoes are best friends in the garden and in the kitchen.
The Short Answer
Louisiana Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Louisiana you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Louisiana | 8a, 8b | Mar 1 - Mar 15 | Nov 10 - Nov 25 |
| Southern Louisiana | 9a, 9b | Feb 1 - Feb 20 | Dec 1 - Dec 20 |
Basil Planting Schedule for Louisiana
Northern Louisiana (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25
Southern Louisiana (Zones 9a, 9b)
Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 20 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20
Growing Basil in Louisiana
Basil in Louisiana'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 Louisiana
Rich alluvial soils in river valleys. Heavy clay in many areas. Acidic throughout. Sandy in some coastal areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting basil outside.
Louisiana Climate & Growing Season
Subtropical. Long growing season. Very hot and humid summers — some crops need shade. Year-round gardening possible. 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 Louisiana: Northern Louisiana (8a, 8b) has a last frost around Mar 1 - Mar 15, while Southern Louisiana (9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 20. 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