When to plant basil in California

Basil
Plant out in San Jose
Feb 15–Mar 1

Across California the window opens between February 15 and January 7. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, San Jose
Dec 28–Jan 11
Plant out, San Jose
Feb 15–Mar 1
Sow outdoors, San Jose
Feb 15–Mar 1
Last sowing for a harvest
Sep 27
Last frost, San Jose
Jan 2

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
San JoseFeb 15–Mar 1
FresnoFeb 15–Mar 1
SacramentoFeb 15–Mar 1
BakersfieldFeb 15–Mar 1
StocktonFeb 15–Mar 1
RiversideFeb 15–Mar 1
IrvineFeb 15–Mar 1
FremontFeb 15–Mar 1
San BernardinoFeb 15–Mar 1
FontanaFeb 15–Mar 1
ModestoFeb 15–Mar 1
Moreno ValleyFeb 15–Mar 1
GlendaleFeb 15–Mar 1
OntarioFeb 15–Mar 1
Elk GroveFeb 15–Mar 1
Santa RosaMar 4–Mar 18
Rancho CucamongaFeb 15–Mar 1
OceansideFeb 15–Mar 1
LancasterApr 10–Apr 24
RosevilleMar 1–Mar 15
PalmdaleMar 17–Mar 31
CoronaFeb 15–Mar 1
SalinasFeb 15–Mar 1
HaywardFeb 15–Mar 1
SunnyvaleFeb 15–Mar 1
PomonaFeb 15–Mar 1
VisaliaFeb 15–Mar 1
EscondidoFeb 15–Mar 1
VictorvilleMar 25–Apr 8
PasadenaFeb 15–Mar 1
All 274 cities
CityStart indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsLast frost
San JoseDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
FresnoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 14
SacramentoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
BakersfieldDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
StocktonDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 5
RiversideDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 9
IrvineDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 5
FremontDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 1
San BernardinoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 27
FontanaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
ModestoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
Moreno ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 27
GlendaleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
OntarioDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
Elk GroveDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
Santa RosaJan 14 to Jan 28Mar 4 to Mar 18Mar 4 to Mar 18Feb 25
Rancho CucamongaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
OceansideDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 23
LancasterFeb 20 to Mar 6Apr 10 to Apr 24Apr 10 to Apr 24Apr 3
RosevilleJan 11 to Jan 25Mar 1 to Mar 15Mar 1 to Mar 15Feb 22
PalmdaleJan 27 to Feb 10Mar 17 to Mar 31Mar 17 to Mar 31Mar 10
CoronaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
SalinasDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 29
HaywardDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
SunnyvaleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
PomonaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
VisaliaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 23
EscondidoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
VictorvilleFeb 4 to Feb 18Mar 25 to Apr 8Mar 25 to Apr 8Mar 18
PasadenaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
Santa ClaraDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
ClovisDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 14
Simi ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 24
VallejoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
ConcordDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 9
FairfieldDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 15
Thousand OaksNov 19 to Dec 3Jan 7 to Jan 21Jan 7 to Jan 21Dec 31
BerkeleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 3
AntiochDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
MenifeeDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 28
TemeculaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
RichmondDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
MurrietaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
Santa MariaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 4
Jurupa ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 9
RialtoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 10
West CovinaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
ChicoJan 21 to Feb 4Mar 11 to Mar 25Mar 11 to Mar 25Mar 4
El MonteDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
VacavilleJan 7 to Jan 21Feb 25 to Mar 11Feb 25 to Mar 11Feb 18
San MateoNov 17 to Dec 1Jan 5 to Jan 19Jan 5 to Jan 19Dec 29
BurbankDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
HesperiaJan 17 to Jan 31Mar 7 to Mar 21Mar 7 to Mar 21Feb 28
TracyJan 14 to Jan 28Mar 4 to Mar 18Mar 4 to Mar 18Feb 25
El CajonDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
Daly CityNov 18 to Dec 2Jan 6 to Jan 20Jan 6 to Jan 20Dec 30
MercedJan 20 to Feb 3Mar 10 to Mar 24Mar 10 to Mar 24Mar 3
VistaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 30
ChinoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
MantecaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 6
Arden-ArcadeDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
San MarcosDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
IndioNov 19 to Dec 3Jan 7 to Jan 21Jan 7 to Jan 21Dec 31
ReddingJan 20 to Feb 3Mar 10 to Mar 24Mar 10 to Mar 24Mar 3
HemetDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
FolsomDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
CarsonDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 9
Mission ViejoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
Rancho CordovaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
Santa BarbaraDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 13
Citrus HeightsDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
San RamonJan 25 to Feb 8Mar 15 to Mar 29Mar 15 to Mar 29Mar 8
Mountain ViewDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
San LeandroDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 7
LivermoreJan 4 to Jan 18Feb 22 to Mar 8Feb 22 to Mar 8Feb 15
PerrisDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 28
Redwood CityDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
AlhambraDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
UplandDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
MilpitasDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
CarmichaelDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
PittsburgDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
Chino HillsDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
AlamedaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 7
RocklinJan 14 to Jan 28Mar 4 to Mar 18Mar 4 to Mar 18Feb 25
NapaJan 1 to Jan 15Feb 19 to Mar 5Feb 19 to Mar 5Feb 12
Apple ValleyFeb 4 to Feb 18Mar 25 to Apr 8Mar 25 to Apr 8Mar 18
Lake ElsinoreDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 28
PleasantonJan 4 to Jan 18Feb 22 to Mar 8Feb 22 to Mar 8Feb 15
RedlandsDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 27
TulareDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 23
TurlockDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
DublinJan 4 to Jan 18Feb 22 to Mar 8Feb 22 to Mar 8Feb 15
EastvaleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
Walnut CreekDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 7
Yuba CityDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 15
LodiDec 29 to Jan 12Feb 16 to Mar 2Feb 16 to Mar 2Feb 9
MaderaJan 1 to Jan 15Feb 19 to Mar 5Feb 19 to Mar 5Feb 12
Baldwin ParkDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
CamarilloNov 19 to Dec 3Jan 7 to Jan 21Jan 7 to Jan 21Dec 31
Palo AltoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 1
BrentwoodDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
DavisDec 30 to Jan 13Feb 17 to Mar 3Feb 17 to Mar 3Feb 10
Castro ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
Union CityDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 7
South San FranciscoNov 17 to Dec 1Jan 5 to Jan 19Jan 5 to Jan 19Dec 29
Laguna NiguelDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
PortervilleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 20
WoodlandDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 7
HanfordDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 7
San ClementeDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
Santa CruzDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 29
BeaumontDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
GilroyJan 13 to Jan 27Mar 3 to Mar 17Mar 3 to Mar 17Feb 24
MontebelloDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
La MesaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
PetalumaJan 17 to Jan 31Mar 7 to Mar 21Mar 7 to Mar 21Feb 28
San RafaelDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 11
Pico RiveraDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
CupertinoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
SanteeDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
HighlandDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 27
Monterey ParkDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
LincolnJan 14 to Jan 28Mar 4 to Mar 18Mar 4 to Mar 18Feb 25
West SacramentoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
San JacintoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
YucaipaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 27
ArcadiaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
ColtonDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 10
Palm DesertNov 19 to Dec 3Jan 7 to Jan 21Jan 7 to Jan 21Dec 31
Cathedral CityDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 9
DelanoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
NovatoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 11
Diamond BarDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
WatsonvilleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 28
San Luis ObispoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
El Dorado HillsFeb 17 to Mar 3Apr 7 to Apr 21Apr 7 to Apr 21Mar 31
Aliso ViejoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
GlendoraDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
Los BanosDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 26
FlorinDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
RosemeadDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
CovinaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
PowayDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 5
AntelopeDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
CeresDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
North HighlandsDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
NewarkDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 1
OakleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
AzusaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
HollisterJan 8 to Jan 22Feb 26 to Mar 12Feb 26 to Mar 12Feb 19
Morgan HillJan 13 to Jan 27Mar 3 to Mar 17Mar 3 to Mar 17Feb 24
CoachellaNov 19 to Dec 3Jan 7 to Jan 21Jan 7 to Jan 21Dec 31
Palm SpringsDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 1
Rohnert ParkJan 14 to Jan 28Mar 4 to Mar 18Mar 4 to Mar 18Feb 25
El CentroDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 3
LompocDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 20
DanvilleJan 25 to Feb 8Mar 15 to Mar 29Mar 15 to Mar 29Mar 8
LathropDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 6
VineyardDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
French ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
CampbellDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
San BrunoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 11
AltadenaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
Rancho Palos VerdesDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 9
La QuintaNov 19 to Dec 3Jan 7 to Jan 21Jan 7 to Jan 21Dec 31
AdelantoFeb 4 to Feb 18Mar 25 to Apr 8Mar 25 to Apr 8Mar 18
CalexicoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 3
MonroviaMar 17 to Mar 31May 5 to May 19May 5 to May 19Apr 28
San GabrielDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
WildomarDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 28
MontclairDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
Foothill FarmsDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
PacificaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 11
MartinezJan 17 to Jan 31Mar 7 to Mar 21Mar 7 to Mar 21Feb 28
La PuenteDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
ClaremontDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
OrangevaleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
Temple CityDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
San Juan CapistranoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
MoorparkNov 19 to Dec 3Jan 7 to Jan 21Jan 7 to Jan 21Dec 31
OildaleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
Pleasant HillDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 7
Desert Hot SpringsJan 14 to Jan 28Mar 4 to Mar 18Mar 4 to Mar 18Feb 25
San DimasDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
Menlo ParkDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 1
Los GatosDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
FallbrookDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
Foster CityDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
GoletaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 11
Dana PointDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
Spring ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
AtwaterJan 20 to Feb 3Mar 10 to Mar 24Mar 10 to Mar 24Mar 3
Fair OaksDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
BurlingameNov 17 to Dec 1Jan 5 to Jan 19Jan 5 to Jan 19Dec 29
BanningDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
Santa PaulaNov 19 to Dec 3Jan 7 to Jan 21Jan 7 to Jan 21Dec 31
San PabloDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
SeasideDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
El Paso de RoblesFeb 1 to Feb 15Mar 22 to Apr 5Mar 22 to Apr 5Mar 15
OrcuttDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 4
Los AltosDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
SaratogaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 2
La VerneDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
Laguna HillsDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
AtascaderoFeb 1 to Feb 15Mar 22 to Apr 5Mar 22 to Apr 5Mar 15
Suisun CityDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 15
San LorenzoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
Eastern Goleta ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 11
San CarlosDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
MontereyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 1
East Palo AltoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 1
BelmontDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
East NilesDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
Temescal ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 28
RidgecrestJan 28 to Feb 11Mar 18 to Apr 1Mar 18 to Apr 1Mar 11
BrawleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 16
WalnutDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
LemooreJan 13 to Jan 27Mar 3 to Mar 17Mar 3 to Mar 17Feb 24
SangerDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 30
ReedleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 30
GaltDec 29 to Jan 12Feb 16 to Mar 2Feb 16 to Mar 2Feb 9
PattersonDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
RiverbankDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
WascoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
BeniciaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
SoledadMar 12 to Mar 26Apr 30 to May 14Apr 30 to May 14Apr 23
HerculesDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
El CerritoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 3
DinubaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 23
Twentynine PalmsDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 24
WindsorJan 19 to Feb 2Mar 9 to Mar 23Mar 9 to Mar 23Mar 2
South PasadenaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
West Whittier-Los NietosDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
Mountain HouseDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 19
LafayetteDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 7
EurekaJan 11 to Jan 25Mar 1 to Mar 15Mar 1 to Mar 15Feb 22
Loma LindaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 27
NorcoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 17
BarstowJan 11 to Jan 25Mar 1 to Mar 15Mar 1 to Mar 15Feb 22
SelmaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 30
BloomingtonDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 10
Bay PointDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 9
ShafterJan 9 to Jan 23Feb 27 to Mar 13Feb 27 to Mar 13Feb 20
Ladera RanchDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
East San GabrielDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
San FernandoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
RosemontDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 12
MarinaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 4
OakdaleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 31
LindaDec 31 to Jan 14Feb 18 to Mar 4Feb 18 to Mar 4Feb 11
MillbraeNov 17 to Dec 1Jan 5 to Jan 19Jan 5 to Jan 19Dec 29
DuarteMar 17 to Mar 31May 5 to May 19May 5 to May 19Apr 28
RamonaFeb 5 to Feb 19Mar 26 to Apr 9Mar 26 to Apr 9Mar 19
AshlandDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 2
American CanyonJan 22 to Feb 5Mar 12 to Mar 26Mar 12 to Mar 26Mar 5
Laguna BeachDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
CorcoranJan 4 to Jan 18Feb 22 to Mar 8Feb 22 to Mar 8Feb 15
ImperialDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 14
Rancho San DiegoDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
West Puente ValleyDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 4
CalabasasDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 24
Winter GardensDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
West CarsonDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 9
Yucca ValleyJan 31 to Feb 14Mar 21 to Apr 4Mar 21 to Apr 4Mar 14
LakesideDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 6
ValindaDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
Granite BayJan 14 to Jan 28Mar 4 to Mar 18Mar 4 to Mar 18Feb 25
Stevenson RanchDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 8
GreenfieldJan 12 to Jan 26Mar 2 to Mar 16Mar 2 to Mar 16Feb 23
DixonDec 30 to Jan 13Feb 17 to Mar 3Feb 17 to Mar 3Feb 10
RosamondFeb 20 to Mar 6Apr 10 to Apr 24Apr 10 to Apr 24Apr 3
OrovilleDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 30
East HemetDec 28 to Jan 11Feb 15 to Mar 1Feb 15 to Mar 1Jan 10

Questions

When should I plant basil in California?

In San Jose, plant out from February 15 to March 1. Across California the window opens between February 15 and January 7, 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 California

Basil in other states

Frost dates for every city in California