When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Dane County, WI
May in the garden — Dane County, Wisconsin
Your garden in Dane County, Wisconsin is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Dane County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 649 feet, Dane County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Brussels Sprouts during the growing season.
Dane County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 Dane County
How your county's soil matches Brussels Sprouts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Brussels Sprouts's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dane County is excellent for Brussels Sprouts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Brussels Sprouts will thrive.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dane 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 — Dane County, WI
Brussels Sprouts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Dane County
Growing Tips for Brussels Sprouts in Dane County
Direct sow Brussels Sprouts outdoors after April 30 in Dane 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 Dane County, WI?
Dane County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Brussels Sprouts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dane County, WI?
Dane County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Dane County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dane 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.