When to Plant Broccoli in Alabama
Start Seeds Indoors
Friday, February 6, 2026
Transplant outdoors: Friday, March 20, 2026
State
Alabama
USDA Zones
7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Avg Last Frost
Friday, March 20, 2026
Cities Covered
575
Alabama Planting Schedule by Zone
Alabama spans 5 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Start Indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7b | Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Sunday, February 22, 2026 | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| 8a | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Friday, February 6, 2026 | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, February 1, 2026 | Sunday, March 15, 2026 |
| 9a | Friday, February 20, 2026 | Friday, January 9, 2026 | Friday, February 20, 2026 |
| 9b | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Broccoli
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Growing Broccoli in Alabama: Complete Guide
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Alabama's last frost. Most Alabama gardeners begin seeds indoors around Friday, February 6, 2026 and move transplants outside around Friday, March 20, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.
Because Alabama stretches across 5 USDA hardiness zones (7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 60 days to maturity, Broccoli needs the indoor head start that Alabama's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.
Broccoli requires full sun (6 hours) and regular (1-1.5 inches/week) moisture. Most of Alabama receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Alabama.
Growing Broccoli in Alabama: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Alabama gardeners.
Fall through spring is the only window
In Zones 7–9, transplant broccoli in September for a November–February harvest; spring broccoli often bolts before heading in the Southeast's rapid spring warmup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Alabama?
In Alabama, start Broccoli seeds indoors around Friday, February 6, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, March 20, 2026 after your last frost. Alabama spans zones 7b–9b, so dates shift by 1–4 weeks depending on where you live.
What is the last frost date in Alabama?
Alabama spans 5 USDA zones (7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b), so last frost dates vary by region. Logan, Addison, Bear Creek (7b) sees frost until around Sunday, April 5, 2026, while Dauphin Island (9b) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Broccoli take to grow in Alabama?
Broccoli takes about 60 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. Starting seeds indoors in Alabama gives you a head start so plants are ready to go out after the last frost.
What USDA zones does Alabama cover for Broccoli?
Alabama includes zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Broccoli grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.