When to Plant Basil in Texas
The king of herbs. Basil and tomatoes are best friends in the garden and in the kitchen.
The Short Answer
Texas Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Texas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Texas (Dallas) | 7b, 8a | Mar 10 - Mar 25 | Nov 5 - Nov 20 |
| Central Texas (Austin/SA) | 8a, 8b | Feb 25 - Mar 15 | Nov 15 - Dec 5 |
| South Texas (Valley) | 9a, 9b, 10a | Jan 15 - Feb 10 | Dec 10 - Jan 5 |
| Texas Panhandle | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| East Texas | 8a, 8b | Mar 1 - Mar 20 | Nov 10 - Nov 25 |
Basil Planting Schedule for Texas
North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)
Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25
Growing Basil in Texas
State-Specific Growing Tips
Transplant basil outside 2 weeks after your last frost when nights stay above 50°F — as early as late February in south Texas, mid-March in central Texas, and early April in north Texas. Basil thrives in Texas heat, but in the most extreme conditions (100°F+), afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch. Texas's alkaline soils may need sulfur amendment — basil prefers pH 6.0-7.0. Water deeply but let soil dry slightly between waterings. Pinch flowers constantly to keep leaf production going. In south Texas, basil can become a short-lived perennial, surviving mild winters and producing for 2-3 years.
Recommended Varieties for Texas
Genovese and Italian Large Leaf for classic cooking. Thai Basil is spectacularly productive in Texas heat — it resists bolting longer than sweet basil and is essential for Texas's large Thai and Vietnamese food communities. African Blue Basil is a sterile hybrid that never flowers, producing leaves indefinitely. Holy Basil (Tulsi) is adapted to tropical conditions and thrives in south Texas. Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil is a New Mexico heirloom that handles Southwest conditions perfectly.
Common Challenges in Texas
Downy mildew is present in Texas but less aggressive than in the humid Northeast, thanks to lower humidity in west and central Texas. East Texas gardeners face more disease pressure. Root rot from overwatering in heavy clay soils is common in the Dallas area. Grasshoppers can defoliate basil quickly in dry years. Japanese beetles are less common in Texas than in the Midwest.
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