When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Scotland County, MO
Scotland County, Missouri gardeners: here's your May plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Scotland County, Missouri this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Begin indoor sowing: brussels sprouts
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy brassica that produces miniature cabbage-like heads along a tall stalk. Flavor improves after a light frost.
Scotland County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 755 feet, Scotland County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Brussels Sprouts to ensure they mature before fall.
Scotland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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 Scotland County
How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.1) overlaps with Brussels Sprouts's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scotland 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 (3.1%). 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scotland 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 — Scotland County, MO
Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Scotland County
Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Scotland County
Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after April 19 in Scotland 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 Scotland County, MO?
Scotland County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scotland County, MO?
Scotland County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Scotland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Scotland County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.