Vermont planting calendar

When to plant brussels sprouts in Vermont — sow, transplant & harvest dates

Vermont is mostly USDA zone 4b (range 3b-5b). Dates below are derived from brussels sprouts's frost tolerance and Vermont's frost window — not generic national averages.

Brussels Sprouts planting timetable for Vermont

Stage	When in Vermont	Anchor
Start seeds indoors	mid-February (February 20)	12 weeks before the last frost (mid-May)
Transplant outside	early May (May 1)	14 days before the last frost (mid-May)
First harvest (estimate)	late July (July 30)	~90 days from transplant

Dates are state-wide averages for the dominant zone. Local microclimates — elevation, urban heat, coastal moderation — can shift the window by 1-2 weeks. Use the frost-date calculator for a date tuned to your town.

Why Vermont's climate shifts the brussels sprouts dates

Vermont's last spring frost averages mid-May and first fall frost late September, which sets the whole planting clock. Vermont is a cold, short-season state. The Champlain Valley is the mildest pocket; the mountains and Northeast Kingdom are markedly colder. Sow early — brussels sprouts bolt once daytime temperatures hold above 24 °C, so the earlier they go in, the longer the harvest.

Brussels sprouts are a long-season crop — transplant outdoors 2–3 weeks before the last spring frost once seedlings are 10–15 cm tall, or start a fall crop by counting back 90–100 days from the first fall frost and setting transplants then. Flavour sweetens after the first hard frost (below -2 °C), making them one of the few vegetables that actually improves with autumn cold. Zones 9–10 can grow them as a winter crop but the lack of hard frost reduces flavour development.

Frost-risk note

Don't plant before mid-May — a hard freeze can still set young plants back. In the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) the safe date runs a week or two later.

Regional variation within Vermont

the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Champlain Valley and southern river valleys (zone 5b) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

Burlington — USDA zone 5a
Montpelier — USDA zone 4b
Rutland — USDA zone 5a
Brattleboro — USDA zone 5b

What else to plant in Vermont around then

The same early window suits peas, lettuce, spinach, and onion sets.

Quick-grow guide

Sun: Full sun — 6+ hours direct.
Soil temperature for germination: 7-29 °C (45-85 °F).
Spacing: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) between plants.
Days to harvest: ~90 days from planting out.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to plant brussels sprouts in Vermont?

In Vermont (mostly USDA zone 4b), sow brussels sprouts indoors around mid-February, transplant outdoors early May (before the last frost, mid-May), and harvest from late July. Brussels Sprouts are cold-hardy — they tolerate frost and actively prefer cool weather, so they go in well before the last spring frost and bolt in summer heat.

What USDA zone is Vermont?

Most of Vermont sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b, with the state spanning roughly 3b-5b from the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) to the Champlain Valley and southern river valleys (zone 5b). The last spring frost averages mid-May and the first fall frost late September.

Can you grow brussels sprouts in Vermont?

Yes. Vermont's dominant zone 4b supports brussels sprouts — the key is timing. Brussels Sprouts are cold-hardy — they tolerate frost and actively prefer cool weather, so they go in well before the last spring frost and bolt in summer heat.

Does the planting date change across Vermont?

the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) runs roughly 1-2 weeks behind the state average; the Champlain Valley and southern river valleys (zone 5b) can plant 1-2 weeks earlier.

What else can I plant in Vermont around the same time?

The same early window suits peas, lettuce, spinach, and onion sets.

Source and methodology

State zone spans from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023); frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online. Hot-state two-season timing cross-checked against the UF/IFAS Florida Gardening Calendar and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension planting calendar. Curated by the Growli editorial team.