What to plant in February in Alabama
In Alabama (AL), February sits about 5 weeks before the average last frost (March 25). The state averages 225 frost-free days a year (last frost March 25, first frost November 5; USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a).
65 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 16 of those windows close during February.
Dates here come from Alabama frost dates (last frost Mar 25, first frost Nov 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Alabama.
Alabama: planting activity through the year
Last chance in February
Bell Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Chili Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Ginger (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Green Onion / Scallion (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Mint (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Oregano (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Sage (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Tarragon (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Thyme (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Turmeric (start seeds indoors, by Feb 4) · Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Feb 11) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Feb 11) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Feb 11) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Feb 11) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Feb 11) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Feb 11)
Sow or plant outdoors in February (30)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in February, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mache (Corn Salad) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 13 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 13 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 13 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 13 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Feb 18 – Mar 7 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 20 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 20 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Feb 25 – Mar 14 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Feb 25 – Mar 14 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Feb 25 – Mar 14 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Feb 25 – Mar 14 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Feb 25 – Mar 14 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Feb 25 – Mar 14 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Feb 25 – Mar 14 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Feb 25 – Mar 14 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Feb 27 – Mar 18 | Opens Feb 27 |
Start seeds indoors in February (47)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Chili Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Ginger | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Mint | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Oregano | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Sage | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Tarragon | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Thyme | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Turmeric | Start seeds indoors | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Last chance - ends Feb 4 |
| Ground Cherry | Start seeds indoors | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Last chance - ends Feb 11 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Last chance - ends Feb 11 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Last chance - ends Feb 11 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Last chance - ends Feb 11 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Last chance - ends Feb 11 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Last chance - ends Feb 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Opens Feb 18 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Opens Feb 25 |
Planting dates for popular crops in Alabama
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Alabama: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Seed-starting season: February garden jobs in Alabama
- Start 47 crops indoors this month, including bell pepper, chili pepper, ginger, green onion / scallion. Use a sterile mix and good light - see starting seeds indoors.
- 5 weeks until the average last frost (March 25). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
- Keep seedlings from stretching: lights 2-3 inches above the leaves for 14-16 hours a day, and a fan or a daily brush of the hand across the tops.
- Prepare beds as soon as the soil crumbles instead of smearing when squeezed - working wet soil ruins its structure for the season.
USDA zone chart for Alabama
Alabama spans USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Alabama in February?
65 crops have a window in February: mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion, radish and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Alabama in February?
No - start seeds indoors runs Jan 28 – Feb 11 in Alabama, so do it before February 11.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Alabama in February?
No - start seeds indoors runs Feb 18 – Mar 4 in Alabama.
When is the first frost in Alabama?
The statewide average first fall frost is around November 5 and the last spring frost around March 25. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in February in Alabama?
Bell Pepper (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Chili Pepper (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Ginger (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Green Onion / Scallion (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Mint (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Oregano (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Sage (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Tarragon (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Thyme (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Turmeric (Jan 21 – Feb 4), Ground Cherry (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Lemon Balm (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Shiso (Perilla) (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Sweet Marjoram (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Tomatillo (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Tomato (Jan 28 – Feb 11), Broccoli (Feb 4 – Feb 18), Brussels Sprouts (Feb 4 – Feb 18), Cabbage (Feb 4 – Feb 18), Cauliflower (Feb 4 – Feb 18), Kale (Feb 4 – Feb 18), Basil (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Collard Greens (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Endive & Escarole (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Kohlrabi (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Malabar Spinach (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Okra (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Radicchio (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Summer Savory (Feb 11 – Feb 25), Bitter Melon (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Cucamelon (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Fennel (Bulb) (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Lettuce (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Napa Cabbage (Feb 18 – Mar 4), New Zealand Spinach (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Peanut (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Swiss Chard (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Watercress (Feb 18 – Mar 4), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Cucumber (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Pumpkin (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Sunflower (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Watermelon (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Winter Squash (Feb 25 – Mar 11), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Feb 25 – Mar 11).
What to plant in February in other states
Dates are computed from Alabama’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.