Louisiana · zones 8b–9b
When to plant basil in Louisiana.
Sow or transplant between Mar 21 to Jun 6 in a typical year, keyed to Louisiana's median last frost around Feb 28. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical Louisiana season.
1 · Start indoors
Feb 7 to Apr 25
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Mar 21 to Jun 6
Keyed to the ~Feb 28 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
Louisiana spans more than one climate: Zone 9 is the most common zone, but the state runs 8b to 9b. 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 Louisiana: watch for
The pests that find basil here.
With about 276 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: Louisiana gives basil about 276 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 Louisiana: questions
When should I plant basil in Louisiana?+
In a typical Louisiana year, sow basil or set out transplants between Mar 21 to Jun 6, keyed to the state's median last frost around Feb 28. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
When do I start basil seeds indoors in Louisiana?+
Start seeds inside about 6 weeks before set-out: roughly Feb 7 to Apr 25 for a typical Louisiana season.
What USDA zone is Louisiana?+
Louisiana spans zones 8b–9b, 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.