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When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Sumter County, FL

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

Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.

At an elevation of 463 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96Β°F, so Brussels Sprouts may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” 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.

Sumter County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
303 days
Last Spring Frost February 6
303 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Sumter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Brussels Sprouts Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.3" 1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" πŸ’§ Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Sumter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline β€” Sumter County, FL

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 9 Jan 9 – Jan 23
Transplant Outdoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Direct Sow January 16 Jan 16 – Feb 6
Harvest May 8 May 8 – Jul 3
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 – Oct 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

90–130 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

πŸ“† Growing Season

303 days in Sumter County

Growing Tips for Sumter 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Sumter County, FL?

Sumter County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sumter County, FL?

Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 6.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Sumter County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Sumter County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.