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When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in McClain County, OK

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

McClain County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 558 feet, McClain County receives approximately 23.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.

McClain County, OK (Zone 7a) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

McClain County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (75 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Aug 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (73 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 9

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 McClain County

How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.4โ€“7.8) overlaps with Brussels Sprouts's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in McClain County is excellent for Brussels Sprouts โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Brussels Sprouts.

How to Plant Brussels Sprouts

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,036 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Brussels Sprouts Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 3.9" 2.7" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 3.9" 3" 0.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 3.9" 3.8" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 3.9" 2.9" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 3.9" 3.1" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 3.9" 2.3" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 3.9" 1.5" 2.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov 3.9" 0.9" 3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Dec โ€” 0.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Nov in McClain County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Brussels Sprouts Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Brussels Sprouts needs ~2,255 GDD — county provides 4,448 GDD Excellent fit

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline โ€” McClain County, OK

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Direct Sow March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 9
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 โ€“ Aug 27
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 โ€“ Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.9"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“130 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

217 days in McClain County

Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in McClain County

Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after April 02 in McClain County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Summer highs in McClain County reach 94ยฐF โ€” grow Brussels Sprouts as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.

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.

McClain County receives only 23" of rain annually. Brussels Sprouts needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in McClain County, OK?

McClain County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McClain County, OK?

McClain County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help McClain County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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