Mississippi · zones 8a–9a
When to plant basil in Mississippi.
Sow or transplant between Apr 3 to Jun 19 in a typical year, keyed to Mississippi's median last frost around Mar 13. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical Mississippi season.
1 · Start indoors
Feb 20 to May 8
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Apr 3 to Jun 19
Keyed to the ~Mar 13 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
Mississippi spans more than one climate: Zone 8 is the most common zone, but the state runs 8a to 9a. 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 Mississippi: watch for
The pests that find basil here.
With about 241 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: Mississippi gives basil about 241 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 Mississippi: questions
When should I plant basil in Mississippi?+
In a typical Mississippi year, sow basil or set out transplants between Apr 3 to Jun 19, keyed to the state's median last frost around Mar 13. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
When do I start basil seeds indoors in Mississippi?+
Start seeds inside about 6 weeks before set-out: roughly Feb 20 to May 8 for a typical Mississippi season.
What USDA zone is Mississippi?+
Mississippi spans zones 8a–9a, 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.