When to Plant Broccoli in Alabama
Published: April 21, 2026
Alabama gardeners in Zone 7b have a 38-week growing season for broccoli (March 1 to November 22). Alabama's spring and fall windows both work well for broccoli — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Alabama based on your local frost calendar.
Broccoli Planting Dates for Alabama
| Start seeds indoors | January 18–25 |
| Last frost (average) | March 1 |
| Transplant outdoors | February 1–11 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 1–11 |
| Expect first harvest | April 2 – April 22 |
| Fall crop start | September 13–23 |
| Fall harvest | November 12 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 22 |
Dates above assume Zone 7b, the most common zone in Alabama. Gardeners in cooler Birmingham (Zone 7b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Montgomery (Zone 8a) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
Growing Broccoli in Alabama's Climate
Alabama's moderate Zone 7b climate is well-suited to broccoli with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your broccoli harvest significantly in Alabama. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common broccoli pests to watch for in Alabama include Cabbage Worm and Cabbage Looper. The first line of defense is companion planting: Onion and Garlic planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Broccoli Garden Calendar for Alabama
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
| February | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 40°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| March | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| April | First harvest window opens | Broccoli begins producing 60–80 days after transplant |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining broccoli; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Broccoli Growing Tips for Alabama Gardeners
- •For spring: start indoors 6 weeks before last frost and transplant outdoors 4 weeks before last frost.
- •For fall: start indoors in summer — count 10 weeks back from your first fall frost date.
- •Alabama's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Harvest heads before any yellow flowers open — once flowers show, flavor declines quickly.
Companion Planting for Broccoli in Alabama
In Alabama's moderate climate, planting broccoli with Onion and Garlic helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Tomato and Pepper, which inhibit broccoli growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full broccoli companion planting guide for the complete list.
Broccoli Planting Dates by City in Alabama
Top cities in Alabama — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant broccoli in Alabama?
In Alabama (Zone 7b), start broccoli seeds indoors around January 18–25 and transplant outdoors around February 1–11 — 4 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 1.
What is the last frost date in Alabama?
Alabama's average last frost date is March 1 in the state's most common Zone 7b. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow broccoli year-round in Alabama?
broccoli is a cool-season crop in Alabama, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What broccoli varieties grow best in Alabama?
For Alabama's Zone 7b, Waltham 29, Calabrese, and Green Magic perform well across conditions.
When do I start broccoli seeds indoors in Alabama?
Start broccoli seeds indoors in Alabama around January 18–25, which is 6 weeks before the state's average last frost of March 1. Use grow lights and keep soil temperatures at 70–75°F for fastest germination.