When to plant basil in Rhode Island

Basil
Plant out in Providence
Apr 18–May 2

Across Rhode Island the window opens between April 14 and April 29. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Providence
Feb 28–Mar 14
Plant out, Providence
Apr 18–May 2
Sow outdoors, Providence
Apr 18–May 2
Last sowing for a harvest
Aug 2
Last frost, Providence
Apr 11

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
ProvidenceApr 18–May 2
CranstonApr 18–May 2
WarwickApr 18–May 2
PawtucketApr 29–May 13
East ProvidenceApr 18–May 2
WoonsocketApr 29–May 13
NewportApr 14–Apr 28
Central FallsApr 29–May 13

Questions

When should I plant basil in Rhode Island?

In Providence, plant out from April 18 to May 2. Across Rhode Island the window opens between April 14 and April 29, 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 Rhode Island

Basil in other states

Frost dates for every city in Rhode Island