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How to Grow Brussels Sprout

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Brussels Sprout (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 84 days
Starting Method Start Indoors

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

🌱

Germination

1-7 days

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Companion Planting Guide for Brussels Sprout

Discover which plants grow well with Brussels Sprout and which to keep at a distance for a healthier garden →

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🔴 Difficult
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow some sprouts to open into flowers. Harvest seed pods in summer/fall when dry.

Processing

Thresh dry pods, winnow to separate seeds from chaff.

Seed Viability

Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

B. oleracea — crosses freely with other cole crops. Biennial nature makes isolation especially challenging.

Seed Storage Supplies

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Brussels Sprout Planting Calendar by Zone

Brussels Sprout Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels Sprout? +

Start Brussels Sprout seeds indoors 12 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 0 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

How long does Brussels Sprout take to grow? +

Brussels Sprout typically matures in about 84 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Brussels Sprout indoors or direct sow? +

Brussels Sprout should be started indoors 12 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

How much sun does Brussels Sprout need? +

Brussels Sprout requires full sun to thrive.

How much water does Brussels Sprout need? +

Brussels Sprout has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Brussels Sprout? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Brussels Sprout is rated difficult. Allow some sprouts to open into flowers. Harvest seed pods in summer/fall when dry. Thresh dry pods, winnow to separate seeds from chaff.

How long do Brussels Sprout seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Brussels Sprout seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Brussels Sprout seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Brussels Sprout is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) is a popular garden vegetable. It's best started indoors 12 weeks before your last frost date, then transplanted outdoors 0 weeks after the last frost.

Expect your Brussels Sprout to be ready for harvest in approximately 84 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.