Alabama · zones 7b–9a
When to plant basil in Alabama.
Sow or transplant between Apr 15 to Jul 1 in a typical year, keyed to Alabama's median last frost around Mar 25. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Basil dates for a typical Alabama season.
1 · Start indoors
Mar 4 to May 20
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Apr 15 to Jul 1
Keyed to the ~Mar 25 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Harvest
~40 days later
~0.5 lb per plant over ~12 weeks.
Alabama spans more than one climate: Zone 8 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7b to 9a. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone — mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.