When to plant Brussels sprouts in Centralia and Chehalis, WA

Start Brussels sprouts from seed indoors Jan 28 – Feb 11, then plant the young plants in the garden in Centralia and Chehalis Mar 25 – May 6.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Centralia and Chehalis's typical last spring frost is April 22. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

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 Jan 28 – Feb 11 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 Mar 25 – May 6, 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 Centralia and Chehalis, WA?

Typically April 22. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Centralia.

Is it too late to plant Brussels sprouts in Centralia and Chehalis?

The spring planting window runs through May 6. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

When should I start Brussels sprouts from seed indoors in Centralia and Chehalis?

January 28 to February 11, which is 8 to 6 weeks before the March 25 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Centralia and Chehalis around the same time

Planting dates for Brussels sprouts in nearby areas

Vancouver, WA Mar 15 – Apr 26
Longview and Kelso, WA Mar 15 – Apr 26
Portland, OR Mar 15 – Apr 26
Gresham, OR Mar 15 – Apr 26
Wilsonville and Canby, OR Mar 15 – Apr 26
Salem, OR Mar 15 – Apr 26

Full planting calendar for Centralia and Chehalis · Brussels sprouts in every city