When to plant Brussels sprouts in John Day, OR

Start Brussels sprouts from seed indoors Mar 5–19, then plant the young plants in the garden in John Day Apr 30 – Jun 11.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

John Day's typical last spring frost is May 28. 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 5–19 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 30 – Jun 11, 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 John Day, OR?

Typically May 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 15. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for John Day.

Is it too late to plant Brussels sprouts in John Day?

The spring planting window runs through June 11. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

When should I start Brussels sprouts from seed indoors in John Day?

March 5 to March 19, which is 8 to 6 weeks before the April 30 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in John Day around the same time

Planting dates for Brussels sprouts in nearby areas

Baker City, OR Apr 27 – Jun 8
Pendleton, OR Apr 1 – May 13
The Dalles, OR Apr 1 – May 13
Hood River, OR Apr 1 – May 13
Hermiston, OR Apr 1 – May 13
Ontario, OR Apr 1 – May 13

Full planting calendar for John Day · Brussels sprouts in every city