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When to plant Brussels Sprouts in Saline County, IL

Plant Brussels Sprouts in Saline County from March 25 to April 15 in spring. Saline County sits in USDA Zone 7a, with last frost around April 8 and first frost on October 24. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Saline County, IL

Brussels Sprouts

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

Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 748 feet, Saline County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.

Saline County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Saline County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.7

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Saline County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline — Saline County, IL

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Sep 2
Fall Sowing August 15 Aug 15 – Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–130 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Saline County

Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, IL?

Saline County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Saline County, IL?

Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Saline County, IL?

In Saline County, IL, plant Brussels Sprouts after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Saline County, IL for Brussels Sprouts?

Saline County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Brussels Sprouts grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Brussels Sprouts grow in Saline County's climate?

Yes — Brussels Sprouts grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Saline County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Saline County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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