Washington DC · zones 7b–7b
When to plant basil in Washington DC.
Sow or transplant between Apr 26 to Jul 12 in a typical year, keyed to Washington DC's median last frost around Apr 5. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical Washington DC season.
1 · Start indoors
Mar 15 to May 31
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Apr 26 to Jul 12
Keyed to the ~Apr 5 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
Washington DC spans more than one climate: Zone 7 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7b to 7b. 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.