fbpx

Here is the BEST Time to Plant Brussel Sprouts in Illinois (2023)

Do you want to grow brussel sprouts in Illinois, but don’t know when to plant them?

Planting brussel sprouts is not as easy as it seems.

Here’s why:

  • Brussel Sprouts are not able to survive frost or cold weather under 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

So if you plant them outside too early in the spring they will die. And if you plant them too late, your brussel sprouts won’t produce a harvest before the first frost arrives in the fall.

Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to plant brussel sprouts in Illinois:

  • To Learn More About HOW to Grow Brussel Sprouts, Check Out This GUIDE!


When to Plant Brussel Sprouts in Illinois

As you may have already guessed, you need to pay very close attention to your local weather in the spring. Specifically, you are going to need to watch when the last frost occurs.

In general, when there hasn’t been a frost for two weeks, you are SAFE to plant your brussel sprouts outside in Illinois!

For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Illinois. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.

Illinois Last & First Frost Dates

Illinois Frost Dates

Unfortunately, Mother Nature plays cruel tricks on us every year.

It should be noted that the above dates are just averages.

There are years when the last frost comes MUCH later. Sometimes, the last frost happens much earlier and you can get your brussel sprouts planted outside in Illinois much quicker.

Like I said before, you need to be very diligent in checking your local weather.

So what happens if a frost comes AFTER you plant your brussel sprouts?

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

Also, make sure not to plant your brussel sprouts in your garden too late.

  • Planting brussel sprouts too late will cause small brussel sprouts or even worse, no brussel sprouts.


When Should You Start Your Brussel Sprouts Seeds Indoors?

Depending on the type of brussel sprouts, it takes roughly 25-30 days to grow brussel sprouts from seed indoors and then transplant them to your garden.

For a specific date that you should start brussel sprouts seeds indoors you should:

  • Find the last average frost date HERE
  • And then subtract 30 days from it

Not only this, but I recommend again paying close attention to your local weather report.

It should also be noted that the best technique for bringing your brussel sprouts plants outside is to introduce them (in their pots) outside for an hour. And then increase the amount of time they spend outside each day by an hour until they have been outside for 8 hours.

This will “hardened” your brussel sprouts plant, increasing its chances of fighting off diseases, insects, droughts, and wet conditions.

If you want to learn WHEN to plant ANY Vegetable in Illinois, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.

About the author