When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in California
In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Nov 28 – Dec 12, then transplant outdoors Dec 26 – Jan 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 8 in San Mateo and as late as May 6 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
Long-season crop best timed to mature after a light fall frost for sweetest flavor; start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost.
Brussels Sprouts Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| San Jose | Nov 14 – Nov 28 | Dec 12 – Dec 26 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Fresno | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Sacramento | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Bakersfield | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Riverside | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Dec 19 – Jan 2 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Stockton | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Fremont | Nov 19 – Dec 3 | Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| San Bernardino | Dec 9 – Dec 23 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 |
| Fontana | Nov 22 – Dec 6 | Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Modesto | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Moreno Valley | Dec 9 – Dec 23 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Glendale | Nov 14 – Nov 28 | Dec 12 – Dec 26 |
| Santa Clarita | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Dec 18 – Jan 1 |
| Santa Rosa | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Nov 16 – Nov 30 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Ontario | Nov 16 – Nov 30 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Elk Grove | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Brussels sprouts in California?
In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Nov 28 – Dec 12, then transplant outdoors Dec 26 – Jan 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 8 in San Mateo and as late as May 6 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do Brussels sprouts take to grow?
Brussels Sprouts typically take 90–110 days from planting to harvest. Long-season crop best timed to mature after a light fall frost for sweetest flavor; start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost.
Other Crops in California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant Brussels sprouts in other states