When to plant brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts tolerate frost, so start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost; transplant from 2 weeks before the last frost up to the frost date; for a fall crop, transplant 14–16 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
Brussels sprouts dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Start indoors | Feb 9–23 |
|---|---|
| Transplant outside | Apr 6–20 |
| Transplant for fall | Jul 4–18 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Jul 20 |
| Soil temperature | 45°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 90–110 |
| Spacing | 18–24 in apart |
Your Brussels sprout year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
- Transplant for fall
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for brussels sprouts
- Brussels sprouts taste best after a few frosts, so most gardeners time them for a fall harvest.
- Sprouts mature from the bottom of the stalk up.
- Removing the growing tip about a month before harvest helps the upper sprouts size up.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant brussels sprouts in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Mar 16–30 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Jul 16–30 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Jan 11–25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Sep 4–18 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Sep 13–27 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Mar 16–30 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Aug 9–23 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Mar 10–24 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | Apr 16–30 | Jun 22 – Jul 6 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | Apr 9–23 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Jul 13–27 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Jul 11–25 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Feb 11–25 | Aug 11–25 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Mar 17–31 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | Apr 6–20 | Jul 4–18 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Mar 16–30 | Jul 14–28 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | Apr 7–21 | Jul 11–25 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Mar 14–28 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
Brussels sprouts planting FAQ
When should I plant brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts tolerate frost, so start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost; transplant from 2 weeks before the last frost up to the frost date; for a fall crop, transplant 14–16 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
How many days until brussels sprouts are ready to harvest?
Most Brussels sprout varieties take about 90–110 days from transplanting. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can brussels sprouts survive frost?
Yes. Brussels sprouts tolerate frost and light freezes, which is why they can be planted weeks before the last frost date.
How far apart should I plant brussels sprouts?
Space brussels sprouts 18–24 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant brussels sprouts?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost, allowing a week or two extra because brussels sprouts tolerate light frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing brussels sprouts
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.