Vermont · zones 4a–5b
When to plant basil in Vermont.
Sow or transplant between Jun 2 to Aug 18 in a typical year, keyed to Vermont's median last frost around May 12. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical Vermont season.
1 · Start indoors
Apr 21 to Jul 7
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Jun 2 to Aug 18
Keyed to the ~May 12 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
Vermont spans more than one climate: Zone 5 is the most common zone, but the state runs 4a to 5b. 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.