Brussels sprouts planting calendar for USDA Zone 6a

Western NC mountains, southern PA, central OH, northern MO. Average last spring frost May 1, first fall frost October 1 — a 153-day frost-free season.

Zone fit: challenging

Brussels sprouts needs a long season and this zone averages just 153 frost-free days. Start early, use black plastic, and plan for row cover on shoulder-season frosts.

Key dates

Start seeds indoors

March 13 – March 27

Transplant outdoors

April 10 – May 1

Expected first harvest

July 26 – August 23

Fall planting window

May 21 – June 11

Fall harvest window

September 5 – October 3

Windows are calculated from your zone's average frost dates. Adjust ±1 week for microclimates, elevation, and your own frost records.

Spacing and soil

Plant spacing: 24″
Row spacing: 36″
Seed depth: 0.25″
Soil temperature: 55–75°F
Frost tolerance: hardy
Days to harvest: 100 days

Grower notes for Zone 6a

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

Plant near: onions, dill

Keep away from: strawberries

Other brassicas for Zone 6a

Same crop, other zones

Track your own plantings

BAU Farm Intelligence turns these windows into per-field tasks — indoor seed-start reminders, transplant dates, harvest projections — using your farm's actual frost history.

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