FrostCal

When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Illinois

In a typical Illinois location, start seeds indoors Mar 2 – Mar 16, then transplant outdoors Mar 30 – Apr 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 11 in Granite City and as late as Apr 10 in Roscoe.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 90–110 days

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

CityStart indoorsTransplant
ChicagoFeb 20 – Mar 6Mar 20 – Apr 3
AuroraMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
RockfordMar 6 – Mar 20Apr 3 – Apr 17
JolietMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
NapervilleMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 7 – Apr 21
PeoriaFeb 26 – Mar 12Mar 26 – Apr 9
SpringfieldFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 25 – Apr 8
North PeoriaFeb 26 – Mar 12Mar 26 – Apr 9
ElginMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 5 – Apr 19
WaukeganMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 9 – Apr 23
ChampaignFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 25 – Apr 8
CiceroFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 21 – Apr 4
BloomingtonMar 3 – Mar 17Mar 31 – Apr 14
Arlington HeightsMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
EvanstonMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 5 – Apr 19
SchaumburgMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 9 – Apr 23
BolingbrookMar 2 – Mar 16Mar 30 – Apr 13
DecaturFeb 24 – Mar 10Mar 24 – Apr 7
PalatineMar 7 – Mar 21Apr 4 – Apr 18
SkokieMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 5 – Apr 19
Des PlainesFeb 26 – Mar 12Mar 26 – Apr 9
Orland ParkMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
Tinley ParkMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 2 – Apr 16
Oak LawnFeb 20 – Mar 6Mar 20 – Apr 3
BerwynFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 21 – Apr 4
Mount ProspectMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
NormalMar 7 – Mar 21Apr 4 – Apr 18
WheatonMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 7 – Apr 21
Oak ParkFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 21 – Apr 4
Hoffman EstatesMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 9 – Apr 23

Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels sprouts in Illinois?

In a typical Illinois location, start seeds indoors Mar 2 – Mar 16, then transplant outdoors Mar 30 – Apr 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 11 in Granite City and as late as Apr 10 in Roscoe.

When is the last frost in Illinois?

The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, 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 Illinois

When to plant Brussels sprouts in other states

Related Guides