FrostCal

When to Plant Brussels Sprouts in Iowa

In a typical Iowa location, start seeds indoors Mar 3 – Mar 17, then transplant outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 20 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 12 in Grinnell.

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
Des MoinesFeb 28 – Mar 14Mar 28 – Apr 11
Cedar RapidsMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 7 – Apr 21
DavenportMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
Sioux CityMar 11 – Mar 25Apr 8 – Apr 22
Iowa CityMar 3 – Mar 17Mar 31 – Apr 14
WaterlooMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 6 – Apr 20
AmesMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 5 – Apr 19
West Des MoinesFeb 28 – Mar 14Mar 28 – Apr 11
Council BluffsFeb 28 – Mar 14Mar 28 – Apr 11
DubuqueMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
AnkenyMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 2 – Apr 16
UrbandaleFeb 28 – Mar 14Mar 28 – Apr 11
Cedar FallsMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 6 – Apr 20
MarionMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 7 – Apr 21
BettendorfMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
MarshalltownMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 7 – Apr 21
Mason CityMar 11 – Mar 25Apr 8 – Apr 22
ClintonFeb 23 – Mar 9Mar 23 – Apr 6
BurlingtonFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 25 – Apr 8
Fort DodgeMar 10 – Mar 24Apr 7 – Apr 21
OttumwaMar 5 – Mar 19Apr 2 – Apr 16
MuscatineFeb 28 – Mar 14Mar 28 – Apr 11
JohnstonMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
CoralvilleMar 3 – Mar 17Mar 31 – Apr 14
WaukeeMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
AltoonaMar 3 – Mar 17Mar 31 – Apr 14
North LibertyMar 3 – Mar 17Mar 31 – Apr 14
IndianolaMar 6 – Mar 20Apr 3 – Apr 17
CliveFeb 28 – Mar 14Mar 28 – Apr 11
NewtonMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 1 – Apr 15

Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Brussels sprouts in Iowa?

In a typical Iowa location, start seeds indoors Mar 3 – Mar 17, then transplant outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 20 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 12 in Grinnell.

When is the last frost in Iowa?

The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa

When to plant Brussels sprouts in other states

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