When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Alabama
Published: April 24, 2026
Alabama gardeners in Zone 7b have a 38-week growing season for brussels sprout (March 1 to November 22). Alabama's spring and fall windows both work well for brussels sprout — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Alabama based on your local frost calendar.
Brussels Sprout Planting Dates for Alabama
| Start seeds indoors | January 25–February 1 |
| Last frost (average) | March 1 |
| Transplant outdoors | May 24–June 3 |
| Expect first harvest | August 12 – September 1 |
| Fall crop start | August 23–September 2 |
| Fall harvest | November 11 |
| 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.
⚠ Brussels sprouts are planted in midsummer for a fall harvest. Count back 90 days from your first fall frost to find the transplant date. Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before that date. Flavor improves after frost.
Growing Brussels Sprouts in Alabama's Climate
Alabama's moderate Zone 7b climate is well-suited to brussels sprout 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 brussels sprout 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 brussels sprout pests to watch for in Alabama include Cabbage Worm and Aphid. The first line of defense is companion planting: Onion and Celery 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.
Brussels Sprout Garden Calendar for Alabama
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Start seeds indoors | Use grow lights; warm soil to 70–75°F for best germination |
| February | — | Dormant season |
| March | Harden off seedlings | Set seedlings outdoors 1–2 hours daily, increasing gradually |
| April | — | Dormant season |
| May ← | Transplant outdoors | Soil temp must be 45°F+; nighttime lows above 50°F |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | First harvest window opens | Brussels Sprout begins producing 80–100 days after transplant |
| September | — | Dormant season |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining brussels sprout; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Brussels Sprout Growing Tips for Alabama Gardeners
- •Count back 90 days from first fall frost to find the transplant date — this is the most important Brussels sprout timing rule.
- •Pinch the top of each plant about a month before first frost — this channels energy into sprout formation.
- •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 sprouts from the bottom up as they reach 1-inch diameter; top sprouts finish last.
Companion Planting for Brussels Sprouts in Alabama
In Alabama's moderate climate, planting brussels sprout with Onion and Celery helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Tomato and Strawberry, which inhibit brussels sprout growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full brussels sprout companion planting guide for the complete list.
Brussels Sprouts 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 brussels sprout in Alabama?
In Alabama (Zone 7b), start brussels sprout seeds indoors around January 25–February 1 and transplant outdoors around May 24–June 3 — 12 weeks after 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 brussels sprout year-round in Alabama?
brussels sprout 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 brussels sprout varieties grow best in Alabama?
For Alabama's Zone 7b, consult a local nursery or extension office for brussels-sprouts variety recommendations.
When do I start brussels sprout seeds indoors in Alabama?
Start brussels sprout seeds indoors in Alabama around January 25–February 1, which is 5 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.