When to plant basil in New Hampshire

Basil
Plant out in Manchester
May 7–May 21

Across New Hampshire the window opens between May 6 and May 21. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Manchester
Mar 19–Apr 2
Plant out, Manchester
May 7–May 21
Sow outdoors, Manchester
May 7–May 21
Last sowing for a harvest
Jul 14
Last frost, Manchester
Apr 30

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
ManchesterMay 7–May 21
NashuaMay 6–May 20
ConcordMay 15–May 29
DoverMay 10–May 24
RochesterMay 7–May 21
KeeneMay 21–Jun 4
PortsmouthMay 11–May 25
DerryMay 7–May 21

Questions

When should I plant basil in New Hampshire?

In Manchester, plant out from May 7 to May 21. Across New Hampshire the window opens between May 6 and May 21, 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 New Hampshire

Basil in other states

Frost dates for every city in New Hampshire