Growing brussels sprouts: timing, spacing and costs by zone

When to plant

Brussels sprouts: cool-season, hardy to frost. Plant when soil reaches 55–75°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.

• Zone 6b (Boone NC): set out April 3 – April 24; fall planting May 28 – June 18. First picking around July 19 – August 16.
• Zone 7b (Raleigh): set out March 18 – April 8; fall planting June 11 – July 2. First picking around July 3 – July 31.
• Zone 8b (Charleston SC): set out February 22 – March 15; fall planting July 5 – July 26. First picking around June 9 – July 7.
• Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): set out February 4 – February 25; fall planting July 21 – August 11. First picking around May 22 – June 19.

Setting it up

Grow as transplants, started about 6 weeks before last frost. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart, about 0.25 inch deep. Expect roughly 100 days to first harvest.

Field notes

Fall-only crop in the Southeast. Top the plant 4 weeks before target harvest for uniform sprouts up the stem.

How it fits each zone

• Zone 6b: challenging — Brussels sprouts needs a long season and this zone averages just 167 frost-free days. Start early, use black plastic, and plan for row cover on shoulder-season frosts.
• Zone 7b: excellent — Brussels sprouts is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
• Zone 8b: excellent — Brussels sprouts is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
• Zone 9a: challenging — Brussels sprouts need sustained cool weather for tight sprouts — Zone 9 heat often causes loose, open buds.

Before you plant

Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.