Best Brassicas to Grow in Alabama
Alabama spans USDA Zones 7–9, typically Zone 8. We've broken out 79 brassica varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
79
for Alabama
USDA
Zones 7–9
210–290 days season
Beginner
65
easy to grow
Heirloom
34
heritage varieties
Alabama in USDA Zones 7–9
Alabama spans Zones 7–9. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Brassicas in Alabama
Zone 8's extended 240-day growing season is a brassica gardener's dream, offering the luxury of both robust spring and fall harvests. The mild winters and relatively late first frost (around November 15) mean you can grow heat-sensitive varieties like Brussels sprouts and late-maturing cabbages that struggle in shorter seasons. However, the zone's hot summers present the classic brassica challenge – these cool-weather crops bolt quickly once temperatures consistently hit the 80s, making variety selection and timing crucial for success.
The key to thriving brassica crops in Zone 8 lies in choosing varieties that either mature quickly before summer heat or can handle some temperature fluctuation. Fast-maturing options like Arugula 'Rocket' and Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage let you squeeze in harvests between seasons, while heat-tolerant varieties like Collard Greens 'Georgia Southern' can bridge the gap into warmer months. Your long growing season also allows for succession planting – start cool-season varieties early, then plant again in late summer for a substantial fall harvest that can extend well into December.
Zone 8 Brassicas for Alabama★ Most of AL
79 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 7 Brassicas for Alabama
79 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 9 Brassicas for Alabama
79 varieties · Last frost February 15 · 290-day season
Zone 8 Growing Tips for Alabama
Start your spring brassica seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date (so early to mid-January for transplanting in early March). This gives plants time to establish strong root systems before the heat hits. For varieties like Brussels sprouts and large cabbages that need the full season, transplant them out 2-3 weeks before your last frost – they can handle light frosts and actually benefit from some cool weather to develop properly. Always harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days, as the temperature swings between day and night can be dramatic in early spring.
Your fall planting window is where Zone 8 really shines. Start seeds for your autumn harvest in mid to late July, transplanting in August. This timing allows plants to establish during the hot period but begin their main growth as temperatures moderate in September. Use shade cloth (30-50%) during the hottest part of late summer to prevent transplant shock. Row covers become invaluable in late fall – while your first frost doesn't typically arrive until mid-November, covering crops like kale and Brussels sprouts can extend your harvest into January, especially since Zone 8 winters often have warm spells that keep growth going.