When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Wicomico County, MD
What to do in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Wicomico County, Maryland.
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Indoor seed-starting week for brussels sprouts
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy brassica that produces miniature cabbage-like heads along a tall stalk. Flavor improves after a light frost.
Wicomico County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 728 feet, Wicomico County receives approximately 48.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.
Wicomico County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 Wicomico County
How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Brussels Sprouts's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wicomico County is excellent for Brussels Sprouts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Brussels Sprouts.
How to Plant Brussels Sprouts
Fall planting: Sow 10 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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Wicomico County). 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 — Wicomico County, MD
Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Wicomico County
Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Wicomico County
Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after April 09 in Wicomico County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Wicomico County reach 92°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 Wicomico County, MD?
Wicomico County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wicomico County, MD?
Wicomico County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is November 1.
Your Wicomico County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wicomico County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.