When to Plant Brussels Sprouts
Sow Brussels sprouts in trays 18 to 21 weeks before your first fall frost and plant them out about a month later, for picking in fall and early winter.
Brussels sprouts at a glance
- Fall sowing
- 18 to 21 weeks before your first fall frost
- Time to harvest
- 120 to 150 days from sowing
- Harvest lasts
- about 10 weeks
- Spacing
- 1 plant per square foot
- Frost
- Takes hard frosts
Growing Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a slow, tall crop for fall and early winter. Set out young plants in early summer so the sprouts form in the cool weeks of fall. Firm soil and a stake keep the tall stalks upright.
Dates by hardiness zone
Typical dates for each zone; your ZIP code gives your own.
| Zone | Sow for fall | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 20 – May 11 | Aug 18 – Oct 26 |
| Zone 3b | May 1–22 | Aug 29 – Nov 6 |
| Zone 4a | May 4–25 | Sep 1 – Nov 9 |
| Zone 4b | May 7–28 | Sep 4 – Nov 12 |
| Zone 5a | May 11 – Jun 1 | Sep 8 – Nov 16 |
| Zone 5b | May 16 – Jun 6 | Sep 13 – Nov 21 |
| Zone 6a | May 22 – Jun 12 | Sep 19 – Nov 27 |
| Zone 6b | May 28 – Jun 18 | Sep 25 – Dec 3 |
| Zone 7a | May 31 – Jun 21 | Sep 28 – Dec 6 |
| Zone 7b | Jun 7–28 | Oct 5 – Dec 13 |
| Zone 8a | Jun 13 – Jul 4 | Oct 11 – Dec 19 |
| Zone 8b | Jun 19 – Jul 10 | Oct 17 – Dec 25 |
| Zone 9a | Jul 2–23 | Oct 30 – Jan 7 |
| Zone 9b | Jul 21 – Aug 11 | Nov 18 – Jan 26 |
| Zone 10a | Aug 2–23 | Nov 30 – Feb 7 |
| Zones 10b–11b | Frost is rare here, so grow Brussels sprouts in the cooler months, from fall to early spring. | |
Questions about Brussels sprouts
Why are my sprouts loose?
Warm weather while they form, or soil that is loose or too rich in nitrogen. Firm soil and cool weather at harvest time give tight, solid sprouts.
Should I cut the top off the plant?
Some gardeners pinch out the top a few weeks before harvest so the sprouts along the stalk fill out together. It is optional.
