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When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Carver County, MN

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

Carver County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.

At an elevation of 1,324 feet, Carver County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Brussels Sprouts to ensure they mature before fall.

Carver County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
168 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
168 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Carver County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 7

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 112 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Brussels Sprouts needs ~1,430 GDD — county provides 2,184 GDD Excellent fit

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline โ€” Carver County, MN

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 8
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 8
Fall Sowing July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Jul 31
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 โ€“ Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“130 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 4a

Growing Season

168 days

Growing Tips for Carver County

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 Carver County, MN?

Carver County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carver County, MN?

Carver County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Carver County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Carver County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.