When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Dickinson County, MI
This month in Dickinson County, Michigan
Each item below is timed to Dickinson County, Michigan's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Get brussels sprouts in the ground
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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Scatter brussels sprouts into prepared beds
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
Get ahead of June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Dickinson County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 892 feet, Dickinson County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Brussels Sprouts to ensure they mature before fall.
Dickinson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 Dickinson County
How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) is within Brussels Sprouts's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dickinson County is excellent for Brussels Sprouts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Brussels Sprouts will thrive.
How to Plant Brussels Sprouts
Fall planting: Sow 12 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Dickinson 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 — Dickinson County, MI
Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Dickinson County
Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Dickinson County
Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after May 12 in Dickinson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Dickinson County, MI?
Dickinson County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dickinson County, MI?
Dickinson County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Dickinson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dickinson County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.