If you’re a Louisiana gardener, figuring out when to plant brussel sprouts is key to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right in our unique climate is the most important step you can take.
These cool-season crops need a long growing period with a sweet spot of cool weather at the end. Planting them at the optimal time ensures they mature when temperatures are just right, leading to tight, flavorful sprouts. Let’s break down the schedule for different parts of the state.
When to Plant Brussel Sprouts in Louisiana
For most of Louisiana, the primary planting window is in the fall. This allows the plants to grow through the milder winter and be ready for harvest in late winter or early spring. A late summer to early fall planting is ideal.
Here’s a general regional guide:
- North Louisiana: Plant from late August through mid-September. Frosts come earlier here, so an earlier start is safer.
- Central Louisiana: Aim for early September to early October. This gives plants enough time to establish before consistent cold.
- South Louisiana: You can plant from mid-September through late October, and sometimes even into early November for a very late harvest. The warmer winters allow for more flexibility.
You can also try a very early spring planting, starting seeds indoors in January for February transplanting. However, spring heat often arrives to quickly, causing loose or bitter sprouts. Fall planting is generally more reliable and productive.
Why Fall Planting Works Best
Brussel sprouts thrive in daytime temperatures between 60-70°F and can handle light frosts. In fact, a frost or two can actually improve their flavor by converting starches into sugars.
Planting in fall means the plants mature during the coolest part of the year. They get established before a hard freeze, then slow down in the deepest cold, and finish up as days begin to warm slightly. This long, cool season is what they naturally prefer.
Choosing the Right Varieties for Louisiana
Selecting varieties suited for warmer climates and with good disease resistance is crucial. Look for hybrids that mature relatively quickly.
- ‘Jade Cross’ (Hybrid): A reliable, compact plant with good heat tolerance and disease resistance. Matures in about 90 days.
- ‘Long Island Improved’ (Heirloom): A standard variety that performs well with consistent care. Takes around 90-100 days.
- ‘Churchill’ (Hybrid): Known for its early maturity (around 80-90 days), which is a big advantage in our shorter cool seasons.
- ‘Diablo’ (Hybrid): Produces solid sprouts and has a strong stalk. It holds up well in variable weather.
Always check the “days to maturity” on the seed packet and count backward from your expected last spring frost date for spring planting, or from your expected first fall frost date for fall planting, to determine your start date.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Starting Seeds
For a fall crop, start seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before your intended transplant date. For example, if you want to transplant in mid-September, start seeds in early August.
- Use a sterile 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.
- Once sprouted, provide plenty of light—a sunny south window or grow lights are best.
2. Preparing the Garden Bed
Brussel sprouts are heavy feeders. They need rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Choose a site with full sun (at least 6 hours).
- Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 8 inches of soil.
- Add a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer according to package directions.
- Ensure the bed has good drainage to prevent root rot during our rainy periods.
3. Transplanting Seedlings
Transplant when seedlings are 4-6 weeks old and have several true leaves. Harden them off for a week first by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart. They get large!
- Plant them slightly deeper than they were in their pots.
- Water them in thoroughly with a starter fertilizer to reduce transplant shock.
Care Through the Season
Watering and Feeding
Consistent moisture is vital, especially during sprout formation. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Mulch heavily with straw or leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced organic blend) about a month after transplanting and again when sprouts begin to form. This supports the large leafy growth needed to fuel sprout development.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Louisiana pests include cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, and aphids. Diseases to watch for are fungal issues like downy mildew.
- Use floating row covers immediately after transplanting to exclude moths and butterflies.
- Check the undersides of leaves regularly for pests and egg clusters.
- For organic control, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillars and insecticidal soap for aphids.
- Practice crop rotation—don’t plant brussel sprouts where other cabbage family crops grew the previous year.
- Water at the base of plants to keep leaves dry and prevent fungal spores from spreading.
Encouraging Sprout Development
To encourage the sprouts to mature uniformly, you can practice “topping” the plant. When the plant is about 3 feet tall and has sprouts forming along the lower stem, cut off the very top growing tip. This directs all the plant’s energy into plumping up the existing sprouts.
Start harvesting from the bottom up when the sprouts are firm and about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Twist them off gently. A light frost or two will sweeten the flavor, so don’t rush to harvest all at once unless a hard freeze below 20°F is predicted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I plant brussel sprouts in spring in Louisiana?
You can, but it’s trickier. You must start seeds very early indoors (Jan) and transplant by Feb to try and beat the heat. Often, spring heat causes poor sprout formation. Fall is the recommended and easier season.
What if I planted my brussel sprouts to late?
If planted to late in fall, plants may not mature before consistent heat returns, resulting in small, loose sprouts. You can still harvest the leafy greens, which are edible. Next time, aim for that earlier fall window.
Do brussel sprouts need full sun in Louisiana?
Yes, they need at least 6 hours of direct sun. In our climate, morning sun with some afternoon shade in peak heat can be beneficial for fall-planted crops, but full sun is generally best.
How long do brussel sprouts take to grow?
Most varieties need 80-100 days from transplanting to first harvest. This long growing period is why timing is so critical—you need to fit those days into our cool season.
Can I grow brussel sprouts in containers?
Yes, choose a large container (at least 12-15 gallons) for one plant. Use high-quality potting mix and water frequently, as containers dry out fast. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage holes.
By following these Louisiana-specific timing and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting your own homegrown brussel sprouts. The key is respecting their need for a long, cool growing season and planning your garden calendar accordingly. With a little patience and the right schedule, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest from your fall-planted crop.