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When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA

Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy brassica that produces miniature cabbage-like heads along a tall stalk. Flavor improves after a light frost.

West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.

At an elevation of 411 feet, West Baton Rouge Parish receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Brussels Sprouts may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Brussels Sprouts will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Brussels Sprouts root diseases.

West Baton Rouge Parish, LA (Zone 8b) Year-round
294 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
294 growing days
First Fall Frost December 5

West Baton Rouge Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (148 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 1 Transplant: Feb 5 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jul 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (147 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 10 Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Aug 5

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Brussels Sprouts needs ~2,420 GDD — county provides 6,490 GDD Excellent fit

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline — West Baton Rouge Parish, LA

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 10 Jan 10 – Jan 24
Transplant Outdoors February 14 Feb 14 – Feb 28
Direct Sow January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 21
Fall Sowing September 26 Sep 26 – Oct 10
Harvest May 16 May 16 – Jul 11

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

90–130 days

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

294 days

Growing Tips for West Baton Rouge Parish

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

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA?

West Baton Rouge Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is West Baton Rouge Parish, LA?

West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 5.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for West Baton Rouge Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.