Rainline Garden

When to plant basil in Spokane, WA

Start basil from seed indoors Apr 8–22, then plant the young plants in the garden in Spokane May 20 – Jun 17.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Spokane's typical last spring frost is April 26. Frost kills basil, and warm-season crops also need warm soil. Soil here stays cold for weeks after the last frost, so planting waits until about May 20.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

Difficulty
Moderate
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
12 inches apart
Planting depth
Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot
Frost
Killed by frost
First harvest
About 60 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Start seeds indoors Apr 8–22 in trays or small pots under a grow light or in your sunniest window. Or skip this step and buy young plants (starts) at a garden center.
  2. Harden off the young plants: about a week before planting, set them outside for a few hours a day, a little longer each day.
  3. Plant them in the garden May 20 – Jun 17, 12 inches apart. Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot.
  4. Water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little every day, and mulch once the soil is warm.
  5. Harvest: Pinch off the top pair of leaves often so plants bush out, and remove flower buds.

Varieties that do well here

  • Genovese
  • Thai
  • Spicy Globe

Watch out for

Cold. Basil blackens below about 40°F, so it goes out last and comes in at the first chilly night.

Blackens below about 40°F, so it's the last thing to go out.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Spokane, WA?

Typically April 26. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Spokane International Airport.

Is it too late to plant basil in Spokane?

The spring planting window runs through June 17. Later plantings may not have time to produce before the first fall frost, which usually arrives around October 12.

When should I start basil from seed indoors in Spokane?

April 8 to April 22, which is 6 to 4 weeks before the May 20 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Spokane around the same time

Planting dates for basil in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Spokane · Basil in every city