Zone 10 · Herbs Growing Guide

When to Plant Basil
in Zone 10

The quintessential summer herb. Plant near tomatoes — they're culinary and companion garden partners. Pinch flowers immediately to keep leaves producing.

Plant outdoors
Feb 15 – Apr 1
Start indoors
Direct sow
Last Frost
~Jan 15
Days to harvest
25–35 days
Difficulty
Easy
Ready to harvest — Zone 10
Harvest window: Apr – Dec

Planting Calendar

In Zone 10, Basil should be planted outdoors Feb 15 – Apr 1, after the average last frost date of approximately Jan 15.

Near year-round in Zone 10. Take cuttings before winter to overwinter indoors.

Care Guide

Sunlight
Full sun · 6–8 hrs/day
Watering
Regular
Spacing
12–18 inches
Soil
Rich, well-draining, moist
Days to maturity
25–35 days
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
plant tip · Zone 10

Near year-round in Zone 10. Take cuttings before winter to overwinter indoors.

Feeding Schedule

How often
every 3 weeks
Feed type
balanced (10-10-10)
Key timing
throughout growing season

Moderate feeder. Liquid balanced feed every 3 weeks keeps growth lush. Pinch out flowers to maintain leaf production.

Succession Planting

Sow every 3 weeks

Sow every 3 weeks from last frost through midsummer. Basil bolts quickly in heat — having a fresh young plant coming along as the old one flowers keeps you in leaves all summer.

Companion Planting for Basil

What you plant next to basil makes a real difference — some plants actively help, others compete or attract pests.

Grows well with
  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Oregano
  • Chamomile
Keep away from
  • Sage
  • Fennel
  • Thyme

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Common questions

In Zone 10, direct sow basil outdoors Feb 15 – Apr 1 after your last frost date of approximately Jan 15. Near year-round in Zone 10. Take cuttings before winter to overwinter indoors.
Zone 10 has an average last spring frost of approximately Jan 15 and a first fall frost around Dec 31. These dates vary by specific location — use your ZIP code in the plant app for precision based on the nearest NOAA weather station.
Good companion crops for basil include Tomatoes, Peppers, Oregano, Chamomile. Avoid planting near Sage, Fennel, Thyme, which can compete for nutrients or attract pests.
Basil typically takes 25–35 days from transplant or direct sow to harvest in Zone 10. Expected harvest window: Apr – Dec.

Recipes using this crop

Great ways to use your harvest — see all recipes

Preserves & Condiments

Classic Basil Pesto

10 min · easy

Preserves & Condiments

Bright Basil Oil

12 min · easy

Free app · iOS February 2028

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Basil in other zones
Crop Guides