When should I plant basil in ZIP 70112?

In ZIP 70112, the main basil target is around Feb 20, based on the representative New Orleans frost station and USDA zone 9b.

When should I start basil seeds indoors in 70112?

Start basil seeds indoors in ZIP 70112 around Jan 6, about 35 days before the Feb 10 last-frost estimate.

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

ZIP 70112 planting calendar

When to plant basil in New Orleans, LA - Zone 9b

Q: When is the first frost in New Orleans?

New Orleans (ZIP 70112) has an average first fall frost around Dec 10, leaving about 303 frost-free days.

In ZIP 70112, plant basil around Feb 20; this uses the New Orleans frost station, USDA zone 9b, and basil timing rules.

Your New Orleans calendar has a 303-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative New Orleans frost station, USDA zone 9b, and basil timing rules.

Source: new-orleans-lakefront frost station, USDA zone 9b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 9b New Orleans frost station LSU AgCenter Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start basil seeds indoors in New Orleans

In ZIP 70112, start basil seeds indoors around Jan 6, about 35 days before the Feb 10 last-frost estimate.

Start basil seeds indoors in New Orleans around Jan 6, about 35 days before the Feb 10 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Basil dates for New Orleans, LA

Step	Date	How to use it
Start Indoors	January 6, 2026	Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant Outdoors	February 20, 2026	Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct Sow	February 20, 2026	Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in New Orleans?

New Orleans (ZIP 70112) has an average last spring frost around Feb 10.

First frost

When is the first frost in New Orleans?

The average first fall frost is around Dec 10, giving about 303 frost-free days.

Season map

Basil windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Start indoors

Jan 6

Direct sow

Feb 20

Transplant

Feb 20

Harvest

Apr 26

Frost watch

Oct 6

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start basil indoorsJan 6

Last frost windowFeb 10

Direct sow basilFeb 20

Transplant basilFeb 20

First basil harvest windowApr 26

Last basil sowing targetOct 6

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	February 10, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	December 10, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	303 days	Longer seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing	10-12 in	Airflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature	65 F+	Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

New Orleans frost history and USDA zone 9b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

LSU AgCenter is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Basil timing notes

Pinch the growing tips early for fuller plants. Basil prefers full sun, 10-12 in spacing, and soil near 65 F+.

For fall, count backward from Dec 10. A conservative last sowing target is around Oct 6.