When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Henry County, IL
Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy brassica that produces miniature cabbage-like heads along a tall stalk. Flavor improves after a light frost.
Henry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 593 feet, Henry County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.
Henry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Henry County
How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) is within Brussels Sprouts's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Henry County is excellent for Brussels Sprouts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Brussels Sprouts will thrive.
How to Plant Brussels Sprouts
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline — Henry County, IL
Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–130 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Henry County
Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Henry County
Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after April 16 in Henry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Brussels Sprouts in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before first fall frost. Stake tall plants to prevent toppling. Remove lower leaves as sprouts develop to improve air circulation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Brussels Sprouts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Henry County, IL?
Henry County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henry County, IL?
Henry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Henry County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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