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- Start indoors
- Sow outdoors
- Plant out
- Plant
- Fall crop
- Today
Historical frost averages plus extension guidance, not a forecast. Check the forecast and soil temperature before planting.
For the best crop, plant Brussels sprouts out in summer, 14–18 weeks before your first fall frost, so the sprouts form in cool fall weather. In spring, start seeds indoors 7–10 weeks before your last frost and plant out up to that date. They're very cold-hardy and taste sweeter after frost.
- Frost tolerance
- Hardy: takes frost
- Soil temperature
- Sows at 45–85°F (min 40°F)
- Days to harvest
- 80–100 days from transplant
The rule we use
- Start seeds indoors: 7–10 weeks before the last spring frost
- Plant out: from 3 weeks before the last spring frost up to that date
- Plant out for fall: 14–18 weeks before the first fall frost
Why fall is best
Brussels sprouts take a long time, about three months from transplant. The sprouts themselves form near the end, and they're firm and sweet only when that happens in cool weather. Sprouts that form in summer heat tend to be loose and bitter.
That's why extension calendars often treat them as a fall crop. Count back from your first fall frost: start seeds about 5–6 weeks before your planting date, then set plants out 14–18 weeks before that frost.
Growing tips
Plant them 18–24 inches apart in rich soil, and keep them watered through summer heat. They grow 2–3 feet tall and can get top-heavy, so firm the soil around the stems or stake them in windy spots.
Sprouts mature from the bottom of the stem up. Pick them when they're firm and about an inch across. Removing yellow lower leaves as you go keeps the plant tidy.
Frost and harvest
Light frosts improve the flavor, and plants handle cold well into the 20s. In many areas you can keep picking into early winter.
If you want the whole stem to mature at once, pinch out the growing tip about 3–4 weeks before you plan to harvest. In short-season areas this also helps the top sprouts size up before hard freezes.
Seeds and supplies for brussels sprouts
- Brussels sprout seeds at True Leaf Market
- Park Seed for seeds and young plants.
- Seedling heat mats keep seed trays warm for fast, even sprouting.
- LED grow lights stop seedlings stretching toward a window.
- Frost cloth to cover plants if a late cold night is forecast.
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Questions about planting brussels sprouts
When should I plant Brussels sprouts for fall?
Set out transplants about 14–18 weeks before your first fall frost. Enter your ZIP above for dates.
Can I grow Brussels sprouts in spring?
Yes, if your summers aren't too hot. Start seeds 7–10 weeks before your last frost and plant out up to the last frost date. Fall crops are usually better.
Do Brussels sprouts need frost?
No, but a light frost makes them taste sweeter.
Sources
- Vegetable Planting Calendar for Central Maryland (2026), University of Maryland Extension
- Vegetables for Spring and Fall Planting; Vegetables for Summer Planting, University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners
- Extension Gardener Handbook, Ch. 16: Vegetable Gardening, NC State Extension
- Suggested Vegetable Planting Dates for Utah, Utah State University Extension
- Frost dates: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (doi:10.25921/4ek7-fk11)