When to Plant Basil in Downey, California (90239)

Location

Downey, California

ZIP Code

90239

USDA Zone

10b

Last Frost

Thursday, January 15, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Thursday, November 20, 2025

Transplant Outdoors Thursday, January 29, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Basil seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Thursday, January 29, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Ocimum basilicum

Days to Maturity 60 days

Mature Height 12-24"

Spread 12"

Type Bush

Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (keep moist)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Basil in Downey?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, November 20, 2025.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoPepperOreganoAsparagus

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

RueSage

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Growing Basil in Zone 10b

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Downey, California, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b, you should start seeds indoors around Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Basil seedlings outdoors around Thursday, January 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.