California · zones 7a–10b
When to plant basil in California.
Sow or transplant between Feb 4 to Apr 22 in a typical year, keyed to California's median last frost around Jan 14. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical California season.
1 · Start indoors
Dec 24 to Mar 11
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Feb 4 to Apr 22
Keyed to the ~Jan 14 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
California spans more than one climate: Zone 10 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7a to 10b. 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.