Getting your timing right is the first step to a great harvest of brussel sprouts. If you’re wondering when to plant brussel sprouts in Alabama, you need to plan around both the heat of summer and the chill of winter.
These cool-season vegetables thrive in frosty weather, which makes them perfect for an Alabama fall garden. Planting at the optimal time ensures your plants mature when temperatures are just right, leading to tight, sweet sprouts instead of loose, bitter ones.
When To Plant Brussel Sprouts In Alabama
For most of Alabama, the prime planting window is from late July through mid-August. This schedule allows the plants to establish themselves in late summer and then produce their best sprouts during the cool fall and early winter months.
Your specific timing depends heavily on whether you start with seeds or transplants and your location within the state’s different climate zones.
Understanding Alabama’s Climate Zones
Alabama spans USDA Hardiness Zones 7a to 9a. This means northern areas, like Huntsville, experience colder winters and an earlier first frost. Southern areas, like Mobile, have milder winters and a much longer growing season.
- North Alabama (Zones 7a-7b): Aim to plant transplants in the garden from early to mid-August. If starting from seed, begin indoors around mid-July.
- Central Alabama (Zones 8a-8b): Plant transplants from mid-August to early September. Start seeds indoors in late July.
- South Alabama (Zones 8b-9a): You can plant transplants from late August into early September. Start seeds indoors in early August.
A good rule of thumb is to count backwards from your first average fall frost date. Brussel sprouts need 80 to 100 days to mature from transplants. You want them to be nearly full-sized when the first good frost hits, as the cold improves their flavor.
Fall Planting vs. Spring Planting
Fall planting is overwhelmingly the best and most reliable method in Alabama.
Spring planting is very tricky. If planted to early in spring, young plants can be damaged by a late frost. If planted to late, they will try to mature during Alabama’s intense summer heat. Heat causes poor sprout formation, bitterness, and bolting (premature flowering).
For a spring attempt, you would need to start seeds indoors in very early February and get transplants out by mid-March, but success is not guaranteed. Fall is the surest bet.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Choosing Your Variety
Select varieties with a maturity date that fits your planting window and that are known for heat-tolerance. Some excellent choices for Alabama include:
- ‘Long Island Improved’ (Reliable, classic heirloom)
- ‘Jade Cross’ (Compact plant, good disease resistance)
- ‘Churchill’ (Early maturing, about 90 days)
- ‘Diablo’ (Known for high yields)
2. Starting Seeds Indoors
For a fall crop, you’ll start seeds indoors during the summer heat.
- Start seeds 4-6 weeks before your target transplant date.
- Use a seed-starting mix in cell trays. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
- Keep the soil moist and place trays in a bright location. A sunny windowsill or under grow lights works well.
- Seedlings are ready to transplant when they have 4-6 true leaves and are stocky.
3. Preparing the Garden Bed
Brussel sprouts are heavy feeders. They need rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Location: Choose a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours daily).
- Soil: Work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 8 inches of soil.
- Fertilizer: Mix in a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer according to package directions before planting.
4. Transplanting Seedlings
- Harden Off: Crucial step! Over 7-10 days, gradually expose indoor seedlings to outdoor sun and wind.
- Spacing: Plant transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 30 inches apart. They get large.
- Planting Depth: Plant them slightly deeper than they were in their pots, up to their first set of true leaves.
- Water In: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil.
Caring for Your Brussel Sprout Plants
Watering and Mulching
Consistent moisture is key, especially during establishment and sprout development. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week. A soaker hose or drip irrigation is ideal to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves) around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures cooler in late summer.
Fertilizing for Success
Side-dress plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced organic blend) about 4 and 8 weeks after transplanting. This supports there vigorous leaf growth, which is necessary for sprout production.
Pest and Disease Management
Common pests in Alabama include cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, and aphids. Check plants regularly.
- Handpick caterpillars.
- Use floating row covers to exclude pests early on.
- For severe infestations, use an organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray.
Diseases like clubroot and downy mildew can be problems. Practice crop rotation (don’t plant where other cabbage family plants grew recently) and ensure good air circulation.
Harvesting Your Alabama Brussel Sprouts
Harvest typically begins in mid to late fall, after a few light frosts. Frost converts starches to sugars, sweetening the sprouts.
Start picking from the bottom of the stalk upward, as the lower sprouts mature first. Twist or snap them off, or use a sharp knife. You can also harvest the entire stalk by cutting it at the base once most sprouts are firm.
In milder parts of Alabama, plants may continue producing sporadically through winter. A hard freeze below 20°F will usually end the harvest.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Loose, “Blown” Sprouts: Caused by heat during development or inconsistent watering. Stick to the fall planting schedule and water regularly.
- Small Sprouts: Often due to overcrowding, poor soil fertility, or lack of sun. Give plants enough space and feed them well.
- Yellowing Leaves: This is normal for lower leaves as the plant matures. Remove them to improve air flow. If upper leaves yellow, it could be a nutrient deficiency.
FAQ: Growing Brussel Sprouts in Alabama
Can you grow brussel sprouts in Alabama?
Absolutely! Alabama’s fall and winter climate is ideal for brussel sprouts. The key is planting them at the correct late-summer time for a fall harvest.
What month do you plant brussel sprouts in Alabama?
For transplants, the main planting months are August and early September. For starting seeds indoors, begin in July or early August.
Do brussel sprouts come back every year?
No, they are biennials grown as annuals. They complete their life cycle (grow, produce sprouts, then flower and set seed) over two seasons, but we harvest them in the first year.
Can brussel sprouts survive an Alabama winter?
They are very cold-hardy and can survive temperatures into the low 20s. In South Alabama, they often produce all winter. In North Alabama, they may need protection or will be finished by the deepest winter cold.
How long does it take brussel sprouts to grow?
From transplant to first harvest, it typically takes 80 to 100 days, depending on the variety. From seed, add an additional 4-6 weeks.
With the right timing and care, growing brussel sprouts in Alabama can be a rewarding end to your gardening year. Paying close attention to your local frost dates and getting those plants in the ground during the heat of late summer sets you up for a bountiful, sweet harvest when the weather turns cool.