When to Plant Brussels Sprouts: Fall Dates by First Frost (and Spring)

Brussels sprouts are the same species as cabbage and broccoli, grown for the small heads that form up the stalk. They need a long season, 90 to 100 days from transplanting in Texas A&M's guide and 80 to 100 in Maryland's, and they taste best after frost. Illinois Extension says fall production is the most practical and rewarding in most parts of the country, because sprouts that mature in hot or dry weather tend to turn bitter or stay as loose tufts of leaves.

Fall dates by first frost

The table counts back from your average first fall frost. Transplanting is 100 to 90 days before the frost (Maryland, Illinois). Seed starting is 4 to 5 weeks before transplanting, which Illinois recommends in a protected spot; Maryland also uses 4- to 6-week-old transplants. The last column is for sowing seed straight in the garden, which Maryland says needs about 20 extra days.

Regional examples: University of Minnesota Extension calls Brussels sprouts a fall crop in Minnesota and sows in June, indoors or directly in the garden; it notes direct-seeded plants need more time and northern Minnesota gardeners should use transplants. In central Maryland, UMD's calendar starts seeds indoors in May, transplants from mid-June to mid-July and harvests from September to December.

Can you plant Brussels sprouts in spring?

You can, but it is harder. Texas A&M's table lists spring planting 4 to 6 weeks before the frost-free date. Illinois says a summer harvest needs transplants of an early, heat-resistant variety planted in very early spring, and warns that sprouts maturing in hot weather, whether after spring seeding or in a warm fall, often stay as loose tufts instead of firm heads. If your summers are hot, put Brussels sprouts on the fall schedule and use the spring for faster crops such as broccoli.

Texas and Florida dates

Texas A&M's vegetable gardening guide gives fall planting 10 to 14 weeks before the first freeze. Its fall guide lists these dates by Texas gardening region; the last column is the last optimum date for setting out Brussels sprouts with broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower:

In Florida, UF/IFAS's month-by-month planting guide lists Brussels sprouts as an easy crop to transplant from September to February in North Florida, October to February in Central Florida and October to December in South Florida.

Planting day

Frost, topping and harvest

Brussels sprouts are hardy: Maryland says they can withstand heavy frosts, and UMN says they can stay in the garden as long as temperatures stay above 20°F. Sprouts form from the bottom of the stalk up. Pick them when they are firm, deep green and about 1 to 1½ inches across, twisting them off from the bottom first (Maryland, Texas A&M); Maryland says flavor is best after frosty weather.

• Topping: UMN says that when the lowest sprouts are about an inch across you can cut 1 to 2 inches off the top of the stalk, which makes the upper sprouts enlarge too. Illinois adds that removing the top growing point can help sprouts form firm heads.
• End of season: once temperatures reach the mid-20s, UMN cuts the plants at the soil line and stores them in a cool place.
• Storage: Maryland says sprouts keep 3 to 5 weeks at 32°F and high humidity, though flavor is best within a day or two in the refrigerator.

Where Brussels sprouts go in the garden

Brussels sprouts are planted and rotated with the rest of the cabbage family, and the tall plants hold their spot for most of the season. See what to plant with cabbage and what to plant with broccoli for companions that suit the whole family, when to plant cauliflower for its fussier relative, and what to plant in fall for other fall crops.

Frequently asked questions

When should I plant Brussels sprouts?

For most gardens, plan a fall crop: transplant 90 to 100 days before your average first fall frost (Maryland, Illinois) and start the seeds 4 to 5 weeks before that (Illinois). In Texas, plant 10 to 14 weeks before the first freeze (Texas A&M).

Can you grow Brussels sprouts in spring?

Yes, but it is harder. Texas A&M lists spring planting 4 to 6 weeks before the frost-free date, and Illinois says a summer harvest needs an early, heat-resistant variety planted in very early spring. Sprouts that mature in heat often turn bitter or stay loose.

How long do Brussels sprouts take to grow?

About 80 to 100 days from transplanting (Maryland), or 3 to 3½ months (Texas A&M), plus 4 to 6 weeks to grow the transplants.

Do Brussels sprouts need frost?

They don't need it to grow, but Maryland says flavor is best when you harvest after frosty weather. The plants withstand heavy frosts, and UMN says they can stay in the garden while temperatures stay above 20°F.

Why are my Brussels sprouts loose and leafy?

Illinois says sprouts that develop in hot weather often form loose tufts instead of firm heads. Use transplants, keep the soil moist, time the crop to mature in cool fall weather, and try topping the plants.

When do you plant Brussels sprouts in Florida?

UF/IFAS lists Brussels sprouts for transplanting from September to February in North Florida, October to February in Central Florida and October to December in South Florida.