As the seedlings are hardening off, prep the garden for transplanting. See the chart (on right) to view the average dates of first and last freeze (low temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit) for each zone. Brussels sprouts can also be grown in USDA zones 4-7 but with harsher winters, but caring for Brussels sprouts in winter requires a greenhouse. I like to dig in a few inches of compost or aged manure before planting as well as a granular organic fertilizer or kelp meal. 16 Jun 20, Melanie (USA - Zone 9a climate) What is the best variety of Brussels Sprouts to plant in zone 9a? Planting Zones. I want to plant brussel sprouts now June 20th or wait til July 12th when its rainy and cooler for late fall harvesting .Is that wise ? Hardiness Zones: 2 to 9: Native Area: Mediterranean: Toxicity: Non-toxic: The Spruce / K. Dave The Spruce / K. Dave The Spruce / K. Dave The Spruce / K. Dave The Spruce / K. Dave The Spruce / K. Dave How to Plant Brussels Sprouts . Brussels sprouts were first recorded as a spontaneous sport from a cabbage plant found in the Brussels region of Belgium around 1750. Some varieties even taste better after exposure to a freeze. Reply or Post a new comment. Sprouts don’t store well, but they can be blanched and frozen, so leave them on the plant and pick as you need them. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart and rows three feet apart. The growing of Brussels Sprouts is fairly successful in almost every area of zones 4 to 8 (as a winter vegetable in zone 8). For areas with deep snow cover Brussels sprouts may over-winter. Sunlight Requirements . A stalwart among winter vegetables in cool temperate climates, they taste much better when harvested from the garden after being frosted than when bought from the shop. Start picking the lowest sprouts and work your way up the stem. When grown in lightly frosty or cool weather, the taste and quality of the plant improves. The exact values may be slightly off (~2 weeks) for your particular zone. They are a cool-season veggie and can withstand freezes for short periods of time, but sustained cold snaps and burial in snow won’t result in winter sprouts. This is a cool-season vegetable and tolerates a light frost. Planting brussels sprouts. Pick Brussels sprouts for immediate use when they are large enough for cooking, and still firm and tightly closed. Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts require a long growing season of 80 days or more, and they improve in flavor after being subjected to a light frost. Carefully break them off with a sharp downward tug. Reply or Post a new comment. You should adjust the planting dates relative to your particular area, and the specific variety of vegetables going into your garden. Brussels sprouts grow best in full sun and fertile soil. Brussel sprouts are generally ideal for planting in zones 3-10, depending on the variety, though you can even find some that will thrive in zone 2.