Blog

When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Spokane County, WA

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

Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 1,645 feet, Spokane County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.

Spokane County, WA (Zone 6a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Spokane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 24
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Aug 10 – Oct 5
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 8 Transplant: Jun 12 🍅 Harvest: Sep 11 – Nov 6

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 Spokane County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.5โ€“6.2) is more acidic than Brussels Sprouts prefers (6.0โ€“7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) โ€” Brussels Sprouts will thrive.

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 351 gal / 100 sq ft
Brussels Sprouts needs ~2,008 GDD — county provides 2,536 GDD Good fit

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline โ€” Spokane County, WA

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Apr 20
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 18
Fall Sowing July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Aug 2
Harvest August 10 Aug 10 โ€“ Oct 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.9"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“130 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: too_acidic

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

139 days in Spokane County

Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Spokane County

Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after May 11 in Spokane County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Summer highs in Spokane County reach 91ยฐF โ€” grow Brussels Sprouts as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.

Your 139.0-day growing season in Spokane County is tight for Brussels Sprouts (90.0-130.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

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.

Spokane County receives only 20" 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Spokane County, WA?

Spokane County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Spokane County, WA?

Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Spokane County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Spokane County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.