When to Plant Common Bean in Alabama
Direct Sow 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 | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 7b | Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| 8a | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, March 15, 2026 |
| 9a | Friday, February 20, 2026 | Friday, February 20, 2026 |
| 9b | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Common Bean
🤝 Companion Plants for Common Bean
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Growing Common Bean in Alabama: Complete Guide
Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Alabama, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, March 20, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
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 65 days to maturity, Common Bean fits comfortably within Alabama's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Common Bean requires full sun (6-8 hours) and regular (1 inch/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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Common Bean in Alabama?
In Alabama, direct sow Common Bean outdoors around Friday, March 20, 2026. Alabama spans zones 7b–9b, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
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 Common Bean take to grow in Alabama?
Common Bean takes about 65 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Alabama's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Alabama cover for Common Bean?
Alabama includes zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Common Bean 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.