Brussels Sprouts Planting Guide
Slow-growing cool-season crop producing tiny cabbage-like buds along a tall stalk
Best Time and Place to Plant Brussels Sprouts
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Brussels Sprouts in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 80F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 24 inches apart, 30 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 80F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; mulch to retain moisture
- Days to harvest: 100
Fertilization
- 10-10-10 Balanced synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at transplanting
- Blood Meal organic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost organic: 3 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Beets
- Onions
- Carrots
- Nasturtium
Avoid Planting Near
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Strawberries
- Kohlrabi
Harvest Signs
- Sprouts are 1-1.5 inches in diameter
- Heads are firm and tightly closed
- Flavor improves after a light frost
- Harvest from bottom of stalk upward as they ripen
FAQs
When should I plant Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels Sprouts planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Brussels Sprouts?
The best time of year to plant Brussels Sprouts is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 80F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Brussels Sprouts?
Plant Brussels Sprouts in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 80F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Brussels Sprouts?
Plant Brussels Sprouts about 24 inches apart, with rows around 30 inches apart.
What grows well with Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels Sprouts is commonly paired with Beets, Onions, Carrots, Nasturtium.