Growing Brussels sprouts

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
        P              

(Best months for growing Brussels sprouts in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 45°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 14-28 weeks. Pick sprouts when small. .
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

15 Dec 20, Damian Orisakwe (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Can Brussels Sprouts grow in hot West African weather? If yes, what type can survive? Thanks. Damian
18 Dec 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Brussels sprouts are a cool/climate crop. If your temperatures go down below about 6-8 a fair bit in winter then you would plant seeds early autumn and seedlings mid/late autumn.
25 Sep 20, Claire Hewson (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Should I pull my Brussel sprouts out as no sign of producing just all leaves if you could let me know please kind regards Claire Hewson
27 Sep 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
No use growing them if not producing.
01 Jul 20, Tasha (USA - Zone 8a climate)
We live in Alabama and super new to gardening. Is it too late to start seedlings now?
02 Jul 20, Paula (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I live in South Louisiana and a good time to plant seeds in indoor trays is this month; direct sow in ground would be September. Best of luck in your gardening journey.
18 Jun 20, Lucy Karrys (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I want to plant brussel sprouts now June 20th or wait til July 12th when its rainy and cooler for late fall harvesting .Is that wise ?
16 Jun 20, Melanie (USA - Zone 9a climate)
What is the best variety of Brussels Sprouts to plant in zone 9a?
01 May 20, Karen (USA - Zone 6b climate)
I bought a six pack of small brussels sprout plants in my area, zone 6B in April. That’s when they were available. Can they be reasonably be planted now?
09 May 20, Kimberly Borzillo (USA - Zone 7b climate)
yes brassica family likes cooler weather...
Showing 51 - 60 of 199 comments

Use seed trays to start your brussels sprouts, plant out as it suggests on the web page. Brussels Sprouts prefer cold/cool climate, so you need to grow them in your cooler months. October is a suggestion, November might work better if your weather is still warm in October.

- Liz

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.