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When to plant Brussels Sprouts in Olean, MO

Olean gardeners should plant Brussels Sprouts between March 23 and April 13 in spring. With Olean's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 6), Brussels Sprouts needs 90–130 days to mature — plant by June 19 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 18 to September 1 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Olean, MO

Brussels Sprouts
Miller County, Missouri Zone 6b August

This month in Miller County, Missouri

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Miller County, Missouri this August and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost April 6
Avg. first frost October 27
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.5 hrs

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

Olean, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 1,086 feet, Miller County receives approximately 30.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.

Olean, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Olean Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Brussels Sprouts Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Aug 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Aug 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 15

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 Olean

How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Brussels Sprouts's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Miller County is excellent for Brussels Sprouts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Brussels Sprouts.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Brussels Sprouts.

How to Plant Brussels Sprouts

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Brussels Sprouts Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.9" 3.4" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 3.9" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.9" 3.6" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 3.9" 3.1" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 3.9" 3.1" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 3.9" 3.1" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.9" 2.4" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Miller 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 needs ~1,842 GDD — county provides 3,417 GDD Excellent fit

Brussels Sprouts Planting Timeline — Olean, MO

Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 2 Mar 2 – Mar 16
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Direct Sow March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 13
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Aug 31
Fall Sowing August 18 Aug 18 – Sep 1

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 Fall Sowing
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

204 days in Miller County

Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Olean

Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after April 06 in Miller 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

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Olean, MO?

In Olean, MO, plant Brussels Sprouts after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Olean, MO for Brussels Sprouts?

Olean sits in USDA Zone 6b. Brussels Sprouts grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Brussels Sprouts grow in Olean's climate?

Yes — Brussels Sprouts grows well in Olean's temperate climate. Olean averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Miller County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Miller County (Zone 6b). 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 Miller County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.