When to Plant Basil in Maryland
The king of herbs. Basil and tomatoes are best friends in the garden and in the kitchen.
The Short Answer
Maryland Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Maryland you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Maryland | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| Central Maryland | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Eastern Shore | 7a, 7b, 8a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Basil Planting Schedule for Maryland
Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Basil in Maryland
Basil in Maryland's Climate
Your summer warmth grows excellent basil from transplant through first frost. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost or buy transplants. Basil peaks in July-August when heat intensifies the essential oils. Succession plant or pinch flowers to keep production going. Plant near tomatoes — the classic companion pairing that works in the kitchen as well as the garden.
Soil Considerations for Maryland
Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting basil outside.
Maryland Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state. 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 Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 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