When to Plant Brussels Sprouts
Published: April 24, 2026
Fall-harvest brassica planted in midsummer. Count back 90 days from first fall frost to find your transplant date. Flavor sweetens dramatically after cold nights and light frost.
When to plant brussels sprout
- Start seeds indoors: 5 weeks before last frost
- Transplant outdoors: 12 weeks after last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 45°F
- Days to harvest: 80–100 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Spacing: 24 inches apart
- Water: 1.5 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 13 weeks before first fall frost
⚠ Brussels sprouts are planted in midsummer for a fall harvest. Count back 90 days from your first fall frost to find the transplant date. Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before that date. Flavor improves after frost.
Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts
- •Count back 90 days from first fall frost to find the transplant date — this is the most important Brussels sprout timing rule.
- •Pinch the top of each plant about a month before first frost — this channels energy into sprout formation.
- •Harvest sprouts from the bottom up as they reach 1-inch diameter; top sprouts finish last.
- •Flavor improves after the first frost — wait for cold weather before harvesting for sweetness.
Companion Planting for Brussels Sprouts
✅ Plant brussels sprout with
- • Onion
- • Celery
- • Dill
- • Beet
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Tomato
- • Strawberry
- • Pepper
Common Brussels Sprout Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Brussels Sprouts Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant Brussels sprouts?
Count back 90 days from your first fall frost date to find your transplant date — typically mid-June to mid-July in most US climates. Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before that, so seed-starting is typically May to early June. Brussels sprouts are a fall crop, not a spring crop.
Why do my Brussels sprouts taste bitter?
Brussels sprouts harvested before the first frost taste bitter and sulfurous. Frost and cold weather convert starches to sugars, transforming the flavor. Always wait until after at least one light frost (and ideally a few) before harvesting. Cold nights in the 0°C range are what makes Brussels sprouts taste sweet and mild.
How do I get large, tight sprouts?
Three keys to big tight sprouts: (1) transplant on time — count back 90 days from first frost, (2) pinch off the growing tip about 4 weeks before first frost to channel energy into the sprouts, and (3) keep soil evenly moist throughout the long growing season. Loose, small sprouts result from heat stress or late planting.
Can Brussels sprouts survive winter?
Brussels sprouts tolerate temperatures down to -10°C and often produce through early winter in Zones 7+. In Zones 3–6, harvest before hard freezes (below -12°C) kill plants. Mulch heavily around the base to extend the harvest window into December in milder zones.
What should I plant with Brussels sprouts?
Onions and aromatic herbs (dill, thyme) deter cabbage worms. Celery, beets, and chamomile share similar water and nutrient needs. Avoid tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers which share disease pressure and compete for nutrients.