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When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in USDA Zone 6b

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

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 3 and the first fall frost is around October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

Zone 6b Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline — Zone 6b

Where Is USDA Zone 6b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 6b. Click any state to see the Brussels Sprouts planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar — Zone 6b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 10
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 6b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 6b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

90–130 days

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Zone Temperature Range

-5°F to 0°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

205 days (Zone 6b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth1 inches
Plant Spacing15 inches apart
Row Spacing24 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 6b

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

Saving Brussels Sprouts Seeds

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Zone 6b?

In Zone 6b, plan your Brussels Sprouts planting around the average last frost date of April 3. Start seeds indoors around February 27. Direct sow outdoors around March 20. Transplant seedlings around April 3.

Can Brussels Sprouts grow in Zone 6b?

Yes, Brussels Sprouts can grow well in Zone 6b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Zone 6b has a growing season of approximately 205 days, which is sufficient for Brussels Sprouts (90-130 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Brussels Sprouts in Zone 6b?

In Zone 6b, expect to harvest Brussels Sprouts from July 3 – August 28. Brussels Sprouts takes 90-130 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 6b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 6b is around April 3, and the first fall frost is around October 25. This gives a growing season of approximately 205 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Brussels Sprouts?

Good companion plants for Brussels Sprouts include Carrots, Celery, Dill, Sage. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 6b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.