When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Cameron Parish, LA
What to do in April
Your garden in Cameron Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this April.
Coming up in May — start thinking about
- First harvests: 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.
Cameron Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 312 days.
At an elevation of 300 feet, Cameron Parish receives approximately 55.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Brussels Sprouts may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.
Cameron Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Cameron Parish
How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.4) is more acidic than Brussels Sprouts prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Cameron Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Brussels Sprouts will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Brussels Sprouts.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Brussels Sprouts.
How to Plant Brussels Sprouts
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Cameron Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°F 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 Planting Timeline — Cameron Parish, LA
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 20 | Oct 20 – Nov 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–130 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
312 days in Cameron Parish
Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Cameron Parish
Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after February 06 in Cameron Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Cameron Parish dries quickly — mulch Brussels Sprouts with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Cameron Parish reach 95°F — 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.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Brussels Sprouts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Cameron Parish, LA?
Cameron Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cameron Parish, LA?
Cameron Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 15.
Your Cameron Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cameron Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.