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When to plant Brussels Sprouts in Stearns County, MN

In Zone 4b (Stearns County), direct-sow Brussels Sprouts between April 26 and May 17 for spring, after the May 3 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 14 to July 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Stearns County, MN

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.

Stearns County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 772 feet, Stearns County receives approximately 37.7 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.

Stearns County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Stearns County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.7

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline — Stearns County, MN

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 – May 17
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 – May 17
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 – Sep 27
Fall Sowing July 14 Jul 14 – Jul 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August 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 4b

📆 Growing Season

156 days in Stearns County

Growing Tips for Stearns 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 Stearns County, MN?

Stearns County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stearns County, MN?

Stearns County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Stearns County, MN?

In Stearns County, MN, plant Brussels Sprouts after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stearns County, MN for Brussels Sprouts?

Stearns County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Brussels Sprouts grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Brussels Sprouts grow in Stearns County's climate?

Yes — Brussels Sprouts grows well in Stearns County's temperate climate. Stearns County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Stearns County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stearns 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.

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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 Stearns County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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