When to Plant Basil in Missouri
The king of herbs. Basil and tomatoes are best friends in the garden and in the kitchen.
The Short Answer
Missouri Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Missouri you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Missouri | 5b, 6a | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Missouri | 6a, 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Missouri | 6b, 7a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Basil Planting Schedule for Missouri
Northern Missouri (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Missouri (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Missouri (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Basil in Missouri
Basil in Missouri'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 Missouri
Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting basil outside.
Missouri Climate & Growing Season
Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of 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 Missouri: Northern Missouri (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Missouri (6b, 7a) 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