When to plant Brussels sprouts in Baker City, OR

Start Brussels sprouts from seed indoors Mar 2–16, then plant the young plants in the garden in Baker City Apr 27 – Jun 8.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Baker City's typical last spring frost is May 25. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

Difficulty: Moderate
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 24 inches apart
Planting depth: Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: About 100 days after planting

Step by step

Start seeds indoors Mar 2–16 in trays or small pots under a grow light or in your sunniest window. Or skip this step and buy young plants (starts) at a garden center.
Harden off the young plants: about a week before planting, set them outside for a few hours a day, a little longer each day.
Plant them in the garden Apr 27 – Jun 8, 24 inches apart. Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot.
Water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little every day, and mulch once the soil is warm.
Harvest: Pick sprouts from the bottom of the stalk up once they're firm and about an inch across. Frost improves the flavor.

Varieties that do well here

Long Island Improved
Diablo
Churchill

Watch out for

Aphids cluster on the sprouts in late summer. Knock them off with a strong spray of water every few days.

A long-season crop picked in fall and winter, when frost sweetens the sprouts. West of the Cascades, plants keep producing well into winter.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Baker City, OR?

Typically May 25. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 16. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Baker City Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant Brussels sprouts in Baker City?

The spring planting window runs through June 8. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

When should I start Brussels sprouts from seed indoors in Baker City?

March 2 to March 16, which is 8 to 6 weeks before the April 27 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Baker City around the same time

Planting dates for Brussels sprouts in nearby areas

Bend and Redmond, OR May 12 – Jun 23
Klamath Falls, OR May 12 – Jun 23
Burns, OR May 14 – Jun 25

Full planting calendar for Baker City · Brussels sprouts in every city