Are you growing Brussel Sprouts in Ohio, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?
Harvesting Brussel Sprouts is not as easy as it seems.
Here’s why:
- Brussel Sprouts have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.
So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.
Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest brussel sprouts in Ohio:
- To Learn More About HOW to Grow Brussel Sprouts, Check Out This GUIDE!
When Do I Harvest Brussel Sprouts in Ohio?
As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your brussel sprouts: the physical features of the brussel sprouts & weather (time).
Harvest Brussel Sprouts if They Look Like This!!!
The physical features of brussel sprouts are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.
In general, you should harvest brussel sprouts if they have the following physical features:
- The brussel sprout plant has brussel sprouts hanging from the plant and the leaves have opened up.
- The brussel sprout is tender to the touch. If it is tough to the touch is means it is overripe and will not taste good or is inedible.
- Depending on the brussel sprout plant you grow the brussel sprout will have a green color.
Harvest Your Brussel Sprouts During THIS Time of Year!!!
In general, you should harvest brussel sprouts:
- 100 to 110 days after starting brussel sprouts from seed
- 80 to 90 days after planting brussel sprouts in your garden
And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your brussel sprouts before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your brussel sprout plant and make your brussel sprouts inedible.
For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Ohio. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.
Ohio Last & First Frost Dates
It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.
Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.
When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.
- If brussel sprouts are in pots, bring them inside
- If brussel sprouts are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
- Pick all brussel sprouts. Aritchokes are annual vegetables, so they will always come back and you don’t have to worry about the plant dying.
If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Ohio, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.