what grows well Houston, TX · Zone 9b change
Back
Basil

Basil

Ocimum basilicum
Still time — sow lateherb

Popular culinary herb with sweet, aromatic leaves. Tender annual that loves warmth.

In Zone 9b, right now
Still time to plant — it should mature before frost

The usual transplant window (Early to Mid March) has closed, but with about 60 days to harvest there's still enough season left. Get it in now.

Edible?
Yes — herb — leaves & stems
Small space?
Yes — fits a balcony
Sun
Full sun (6+ hrs)
Comes back yearly?
No — replant each year
Harvest in
60 days

Ways to plant it

Start seeds indoors Past the ideal window — still time
Early to Mid January
Start seeds in trays now; they only need a few weeks indoors before they go straight out into the warm soil.
Transplant Past the ideal window — still time
Early to Mid March
Buy a young plant from a nursery, or move one you started indoors, into the ground or a pot.

Your weekly planting note

Every Friday morning: what's safe to plant in Zone 9b. Basil will be in there when its window opens. Unsubscribe in one tap.

Where are you gardening?

We use your location to figure out your USDA zone and frost dates. It's saved on your device — never sent anywhere. Change it any time.

Our best guess from your connection
Houston, TX
Near ZIP 77001 · USDA Zone 9b
Not quite? Your connection only points to the rough area — enter your ZIP for an exact match.