Crops › Brussels Sprouts
How to grow Brussels Sprouts
in the US
Sow May to July, plant out August, harvest September to November. About 100 days from seed to plate.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
Brussels sprouts are a cracking vegetable, aren't they? They take a bit of time on the plot, growing tall and strong, but you get a proper reward in the cooler months. Nothing quite like fresh sprouts from your own patch, you know what I mean.
Sowing
You're looking to sow Brussels sprouts from May to August, depending on your USDA zone. Folks in colder zones like 3 or 4 should start in May or June, while warmer zones, say 9 or 10, can sow later into August or September. I always sow mine about half an inch deep, either direct in the ground or in seed trays on the windowsill, giving them a good 2-3 inches between seeds. They need about 100 days to get ready, so think ahead for your fall harvest.
Growing on
Once your seedlings have two proper leaves, it's time to prick them out if you started them indoors, moving them into individual small pots. Give them a good few weeks to grow on, then it’s all about hardening them off gradually before planting out after your last frost. Space them out well, I go for about 2 feet between plants and rows, because they get to be big lads. A bit of support later on, especially if you're in a windy spot, can stop them blowing over, you know.
Looking after it
Brussels sprouts are thirsty, so keep them well-watered, especially as they size up. A good rich soil helps, but a general-purpose feed now and then won't hurt, particularly if your soil's a bit tired. Keep the weeds down around them, maybe a bit of mulch to keep the moisture in. Some folks pinch out the top when the sprouts start forming, about a month before harvest, to encourage the lower sprouts to fatten up, but I sometimes just leave 'em be, to be honest.
What goes wrong
Brussels sprouts can have their share of visitors, sadly. Slugs and snails are always keen on young plants, so keep an eye out and deal with them early. Cabbage worms, those little green caterpillars, can really chew through the leaves, so a good row cover from transplanting onwards is your best bet to keep them off. Aphids can sometimes pop up too, especially underneath the leaves; a strong spray of water can dislodge them.
Harvest
You'll start harvesting your sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards, usually from September right through November, or even later in some zones. They're ready when they're firm and about an inch or so across. Just twist them off the stem. Don't worry if the lower leaves turn yellow, just take them off. They store well in a cool, dry place, or in the fridge for a bit. Proper fresh sprouts are a cracking treat, mind.
I always make sure to rotate my brassicas each year; keeps the soil happier and cuts down on disease, like clubroot, which can be a real pain.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Diablo Diablo is a good, dependable maincrop variety that gives you a solid yield. It's one I've grown many times and it always performs well. | No club votes yet |
| Jade Cross E Jade Cross E is a well-known variety that's pretty robust for direct sowing. It's a proper sturdy plant, ideal for getting a good crop straight from the ground. | No club votes yet |
| Long Island Improved Long Island Improved is a classic, older variety that's stood the test of time. You'll get plenty of tasty sprouts from this one, good for a fall harvest. | No club votes yet |
| Gustus Gustus is a nice, uniform variety, giving you sprouts that are all pretty much the same size. It's a good choice if you like a consistent harvest. | No club votes yet |
| Franklin Franklin is another reliable one that does well when sown directly outside. It's a vigorous grower, meaning you usually get a good, healthy plant. | No club votes yet |
| Hestia Hestia is a cracking choice for a decent, steady crop of sprouts. It's one that often gets good reviews for its overall performance on the plot. | No club votes yet |
| Igor Igor gives you a good, solid yield of sprouts and is known for being quite vigorous. It's a strong performer that gets on with growing. | No club votes yet |
| Bitesize Bitesize, as the name suggests, produces smaller, more tender sprouts. It's great if you prefer those daintier, sweeter sprouts for cooking. | No club votes yet |
| Catskill Catskill is a traditional variety, well-loved for its classic sprout flavor. It's a dependable choice that's been around for ages for good reason. | No club votes yet |
| Churchill Churchill is a modern variety, bred for good yields and reliability. You can expect a uniform crop from this one, making harvest a bit easier. | No club votes yet |
| Nautic Nautic is a sturdy, outdoor-sown variety that stands up well to varied weather. It's a good one if you're looking for a hardy plant that performs well in the open. | No club votes yet |
| Dagan Dagan is a strong, reliable producer that's quite popular with growers. It'll give you a good, consistent crop of sprouts throughout the season. | No club votes yet |
| Oliver Oliver is a good, dependable choice for getting a healthy crop of sprouts. It’s one that generally performs well, giving you proper tasty vegetables. | No club votes yet |
| Speedia Speedia is known for its quicker maturity, meaning you might get sprouts a bit earlier than some others. It’s a decent option if you're keen to harvest sooner. | No club votes yet |
| Redarling Redarling is a fantastic red-purple Brussels sprout, adding a bit of color to your plate. It's not just pretty, it's got a lovely, slightly milder flavor too. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Brussels Sprouts seeds
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Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May to June | September to October |
| Zone 4 | May to June | September to October |
| Zone 5 | May to July | September to November |
| Zone 6 | May to July | September to November |
| Zone 7 | May to August | October to December |
| Zone 8 | May to August | October to December |
| Zone 9 | June to August | November to December |
| Zone 10 | July to September | December |
Cook the harvest
Halved Brussels sprouts roasted cut-side down at high heat until deeply caramelized, then tossed with crispy bacon and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The combination of bitter, sweet, salty, and smoky makes this the side dish that converts Brussels sprout skeptics. It disappears faster than any other vegetable at the table.
40 min · easyHalved Brussels sprouts baked in a rich cream and Gruyere sauce under a golden, bubbly parmesan crust. This is the kind of indulgent side dish reserved for special occasions — Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any dinner where you want to make an impression. It is rich, deeply savory, and the sprouts soften into something absolutely luxurious.
60 min · mediumShredded Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon caramelized together in a cast-iron skillet with shallots, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and whole-grain mustard — a hearty, deeply savory hash that works as a side dish, a brunch main, or a topping for eggs. The sprouts cook down to tender, nutty, slightly charred shreds while the bacon fat does all the seasoning work. One pan, 25 minutes, outstanding results.
30 min · easyA satisfying skillet breakfast or brunch of Brussels sprouts sautéed with potatoes, onions, and bacon until crispy, then topped with eggs baked directly in the pan. It is hearty and flavorful with a beautiful contrast of textures — crispy hash underneath, silky egg yolk on top. One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction.
40 min · easyWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: marigolds, nasturtium
Questions people ask
When do you sow Brussels Sprouts in the US?
Sow Brussels Sprouts from May to July in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out August, after the last frost.
How long does Brussels Sprouts take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 100 days, with the harvest September to November.
Which Brussels Sprouts varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Diablo, Jade Cross E, Long Island Improved, Gustus and more.
Track your Brussels Sprouts from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.