When to plant basil in Arkansas

Plant out in Little Rock

Mar 28–Apr 11

Across Arkansas the window opens between March 20 and April 19. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Little Rock: Feb 7–Feb 21
Plant out, Little Rock: Mar 28–Apr 11
Sow outdoors, Little Rock: Mar 28–Apr 11
Last sowing for a harvest: Aug 13
Last frost, Little Rock: Mar 21

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost; plant out 1–3 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 1–3 weeks after the last frost. Basil blackens below 50°F. Wait a week or two after the last frost.

Basil planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Little RockMar 28–Apr 11

FayettevilleApr 11–Apr 25

Fort SmithApr 1–Apr 15

SpringdaleApr 11–Apr 25

JonesboroMar 30–Apr 13

RogersApr 19–May 3

ConwayApr 9–Apr 23

North Little RockMar 28–Apr 11

BentonvilleApr 19–May 3

BentonMar 31–Apr 14

Pine BluffMar 21–Apr 4

Hot SpringsMar 26–Apr 9

Bella VistaApr 19–May 3

SherwoodMar 23–Apr 6

ParagouldApr 2–Apr 16

RussellvilleApr 5–Apr 19

JacksonvilleMar 23–Apr 6

TexarkanaMar 20–Apr 3

CabotApr 11–Apr 25

CentertonApr 15–Apr 29

Van BurenApr 1–Apr 15

SearcyApr 3–Apr 17

West MemphisMar 26–Apr 9

BryantMar 31–Apr 14

Siloam SpringsApr 7–Apr 21

Questions

When should I plant basil in Arkansas?

In Little Rock, plant out from March 28 to April 11. Across Arkansas the window opens between March 20 and April 19, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost; plant out 1–3 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 1–3 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

More for Arkansas

Basil in other states

Frost dates for every city in Arkansas