Florida · zones 8b–11a
When to plant basil in Florida.
Sow or transplant between Feb 24 to May 12 in a typical year, keyed to Florida's median last frost around Feb 3. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical Florida season.
1 · Start indoors
Jan 13 to Mar 31
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Feb 24 to May 12
Keyed to the ~Feb 3 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
Florida spans more than one climate: Zone 9 is the most common zone, but the state runs 8b to 11a. 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 Florida: watch for
The pests that find basil here.
With about 315 frost-free days, basil spends longer in the ground here than in most of the country, which widens the window in which aphids can find it. Scout weekly from midseason and act on the first signs.
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: Florida gives basil about 315 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 Florida: questions
When should I plant basil in Florida?+
In a typical Florida year, sow basil or set out transplants between Feb 24 to May 12, keyed to the state's median last frost around Feb 3. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
When do I start basil seeds indoors in Florida?+
Start seeds inside about 6 weeks before set-out: roughly Jan 13 to Mar 31 for a typical Florida season.
What USDA zone is Florida?+
Florida spans zones 8b–11a, mostly zone 9. 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.