Seasonal produce
When are Brussels sprouts in season?
Brussels sprouts are a cool-weather, fall crop. In Minnesota, University of Minnesota Extension plans harvest from late September in the north through late October in the south and along Lake Superior. Flavor improves once nights cool. Elsewhere, your local market is the best guide to when they’re in.
Fall crop, cool nights
UMN Extension grows Brussels sprouts as a fall crop and notes they are among the few vegetables often harvested after snow. Flavor improves with cooler weather. Plants can stay in the garden while temperatures remain above about 20°F. Illinois Extension likewise treats fall production as the practical path in most of the country, because sprouts that mature in heat or drought are more likely to taste bitter.
Harvest window (Minnesota-sourced)
UMN Extension: plan harvest from late September in northern Minnesota through late October in southern Minnesota and along the Lake Superior shoreline. Sprouts form from the bottom of the stalk upward. When the lowest sprouts are about an inch across, you can top the plant (remove about 1–2 inches of the growing tip) so upper sprouts enlarge. Illinois Extension says to harvest when sprouts are firm, about 1 to 1½ inches, and still bright green — before leaves yellow.
After a hard cold snap
UMN Extension: once weather turns cold with temperatures in the mid-twenties, remove leaves, cut plants at the soil surface, and stack or hang stalks upright in a cool cellar; pick sprouts over the following weeks. Cut sprouts also keep in the refrigerator in plastic bags for up to about two weeks.
At the store
Look for tight, bright green sprouts. Avoid yellowing, wilted or insect-damaged ones (per Illinois Extension).
What to cook
Roast a tray: roasted Brussels sprouts. Pair with other October produce or cranberries as holiday menus start.
Recipes and related guides
Roasted Brussels sprouts · October produce guide · November produce guide · When are pumpkins in season? · When are cranberries in season? · When are collard greens in season? · Produce checklist
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