Brussels Sprouts

Brassicaceae

LONGEST SEASON of any brassica (85-110 DTM from transplant + 4-6 weeks seedling time = 4.5-5.5 months seed to harvest). Miniature cabbage buds form along a 2-3+ foot stalk, bottom-up. TOPPING TECHNIQUE is critical — remove growing tip when lowest sprouts reach ½-1 inch diameter (~3-4 weeks before harvest). FROST-SWEETENING is dramatic — harvest after frost for best flavor. Plants survive to 20°F; freeze damage at 14°F. May need staking.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

85–110 days

Sun

6+ hours

Spacing

18–24 "

Seed Start

4–6 weeks

before transplant

Container

Not Ideal

7+ gallon pot

Height

2–3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–10 days

Optimal Temp 75°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Moderate-high

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Support Stake

Resilience

Heat: Low Cold: High

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Harvest

Firm buds 1-1.5 inch diameter, bright green. Harvest from bottom up.

Sources

university UMN Extension — Growing Brussels Sprouts university WVU Extension peer-reviewed UNH Research (Sideman 2013-2017) — Topping 23 cultivars university Illinois Extension — Brussels Sprouts (Home Vegetable Gardening)

More Vegetables

Brussels Sprouts Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Brussels Sprouts vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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