If you’re planning your Tennessee garden, knowing when to plant brussel sprouts is key to a great harvest. This cool-season crop needs perfect timing to thrive in our variable climate, and getting the schedule right makes all the difference.
Brussel sprouts are a long-maturing vegetable, often taking 90 to 110 days from transplant to harvest. They actually develop the best flavor after a light frost. Planting them at the correct time ensures they mature during the cool fall weather they love, rather than struggling in summer heat.
When to Plant Brussel Sprouts in Tennessee
Tennessee spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 8a, which means planting dates shift a bit from the Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River. The core principle, however, remains the same: brussel sprouts are primarily a fall crop here.
For Spring Planting (Risky)
Spring planting is tricky in Tennessee. You must start seeds indoors very early, about 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. The goal is to get transplants into the garden 2-4 weeks before the last frost, so they mature before summer heat hits. This often leads to poorly formed sprouts if it gets hot to fast.
- East TN (Zones 6a-7a): Start seeds indoors late January to early February. Transplant outdoors in early to mid-March.
- Middle TN (Zones 7a-7b): Start seeds indoors mid-January. Transplant outdoors in late February to early March.
- West TN (Zones 7b-8a): Start seeds indoors early January. Transplant outdoors in mid to late February.
For Fall Planting (Recommended)
This is the most reliable method. You grow sprouts through the fall, allowing them to sweeten with frost. To calculate your planting date, find your average first fall frost date, then count backwards 90-110 days (check your seed packet). That’s your target transplant date. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before that date.
- East TN (First Frost ~Oct. 15-25): Start seeds indoors in mid to late June. Transplant outdoors in late July to early August.
- Middle TN (First Frost ~Oct. 25-Nov. 5): Start seeds indoors in late June to early July. Transplant outdoors in early to mid-August.
- West TN (First Frost ~Nov. 5-15): Start seeds indoors in early to mid-July. Transplant outdoors in mid to late August.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Starting Seeds Indoors
Use a quality seed-starting mix in cell trays. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (70-75°F) for germination, which takes 5-8 days. Once sprouted, they need plenty of light—a sunny south window or grow lights for 12-14 hours a day.
2. Preparing Your Garden Bed
Brussel sprouts need full sun (at least 6 hours) and rich, well-draining soil. They are heavy feeders. A few weeks before transplanting, work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
3. Transplanting Seedlings
- Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for longer periods each day.
- Transplant on a cloudy afternoon or in the evening to reduce shock.
- Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart. They get big!
- Plant them slightly deeper than they were in their pots, firming soil gently around the stem.
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
4. Essential Care Through the Season
Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during sprout formation. Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Mulch heavily with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil cool. Feed with a balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3-4 weeks after transplanting, and again when sprouts begin to form. Stake taller varieties if you live in a windy area.
Common Pests and Problems in Tennessee
Keep a eye out for cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, and aphids. Row covers right after transplanting are an effective physical barrier. For organic control, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Clubroot, a soil-borne disease, can be a issue; prevent it by maintaining proper soil pH and rotating your crops—don’t plant where other brassicas (like cabbage or kale) grew in the last 2 years.
Harvesting Your Tennessee Sprouts
Harvest begins from the bottom of the stalk upward. Pick sprouts when they are firm, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Twist them off gently. A light frost or two will improve their flavor, making them taste sweeter. For a single harvest, you can cut the entire stalk once the lower sprouts are mature. In Tennessee, you can often harvest right into December.
Recommended Varieties for Tennessee Gardens
- ‘Long Island Improved’: A reliable, heirloom variety that performs well in variable climates.
- ‘Jade Cross’: A hybrid known for its disease resistance and tightly packed sprouts.
- ‘Churchill’: An early maturing variety (around 90 days), good for trying a spring crop or a late fall planting.
- ‘Diablo’: Known for its excellent flavor and high yield on strong plants.
FAQ: Growing Brussel Sprouts in Tennessee
Can I plant brussel sprouts directly in the garden in Tennessee?
It’s not recommended. The long maturation time and need for precise timing make starting seeds indoors the best method for controling their growth schedule.
My plants are tall but not producing many sprouts. What happened?
This is often caused by planting to late in spring so the plant hits summer heat during formation, or by nitrogen-heavy fertilizer without enough phosphorus. Stick to the fall schedule and use a balanced feed.
Should I remove the lower leaves?
Some gardeners remove the lower leaves a few weeks before harvest to direct energy to the sprouts. You can also just remove yellowing leaves as the plant grows. Avoid stripping to many healthy leaves.
Can I grow brussel sprouts in containers?
Yes, choose a deep container (at least 12-16 inches deep and wide) for each plant. Use a high-quality potting mix and be vigilant about watering and fertilizing, as containers dry out faster.
Do brussel sprouts come back every year?
No, they are biennials grown as annuals. They complete their life cycle—sprouting, growing, producing sprouts—in one growing season.
By following this Tennessee-specific schedule, you give your brussel sprouts the best chance to produce a generous and tasty harvest. The key is working with our climate, using the cool fall to your advantage for the best flavored sprouts possible.