Arkansas · zones 6b–8a
When to plant basil in Arkansas.
Sow or transplant between Apr 15 to Jul 1 in a typical year, keyed to Arkansas's median last frost around Mar 25. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical Arkansas season.
1 · Start indoors
Mar 4 to May 20
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Apr 15 to Jul 1
Keyed to the ~Mar 25 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
Arkansas spans more than one climate: Zone 8 is the most common zone, but the state runs 6b to 8a. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone: mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.
In Arkansas: watch for
The pests that find basil here.
A middle-length season, about 225 frost-free days, means basil overlaps aphids for a stretch each summer. Check plants every week or two and treat early.
Fine webbing and pale stippling in hot, dry spells.
Organic fix: Spray the undersides with water, then insecticidal soap or neem.
Yellowing with gray fuzz underneath, or white powder on top.
Organic fix: Space for airflow, water at the base, spray neem.
Metallic beetles chewing basil and mint leaves to lace.
Organic fix: Handpick into soapy water in the morning; neem.
Your season math: Arkansas gives basil about 225 frost-free days, and it needs roughly 40 days to a first harvest. It's a one-planting crop, so time that single sowing well.
Planting basil in Arkansas: questions
When should I plant basil in Arkansas?+
In a typical Arkansas year, sow basil or set out transplants between Apr 15 to Jul 1, keyed to the state's median last frost around Mar 25. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
When do I start basil seeds indoors in Arkansas?+
Start seeds inside about 6 weeks before set-out: roughly Mar 4 to May 20 for a typical Arkansas season.
What USDA zone is Arkansas?+
Arkansas spans zones 6b–8a, mostly zone 8. But frost dates, not zones, set planting time. The free planner uses your ZIP code's actual frost dates.
How many basil plants do I need?+
Depends who you're feeding. The crop page has exact counts per household size, or the free planner does the math for your family in about 60 seconds.