When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Summit County, UT
May in the garden — Summit County, Utah
Each item below is timed to Summit County, Utah's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Seed brussels sprouts outdoors
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Transplants going out: 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.
Summit County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
At an elevation of 8,145 feet, Summit County receives approximately 24.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.3
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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.3) overlaps with Brussels Sprouts's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Summit County is excellent for Brussels Sprouts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit 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 — Summit County, UT
Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | September 9 | Sep 9 – Nov 4 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
94 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Summit County
Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after June 10 in Summit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 94.0-day growing season in Summit County is tight for Brussels Sprouts (90.0-130.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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.
Summit County receives only 25" of rain annually. Brussels Sprouts needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Brussels Sprouts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Brussels Sprouts in Summit County, UT?
Summit County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, UT?
Summit County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.
Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.