When to harvest brussels sprouts

Harvest brussels sprouts after a frost, once the individual sprouts are firm when pinched and about one inch in diameter, before they split open.

The window: After frost exposure, when sprouts are firm when pinched and one inch in diameter but before they split open; picking can continue until the temperature reaches the mid-twenties, and in West Virginia sprouts can be harvested throughout November depending on the variety's maturity date.

Harvest after frost exposure when the individual sprouts are firm when pinched.
Pick sprouts when they are one inch in diameter, but before they split open.
Sprouts should be small, compact, and bright green.
Frost and light freezes will not damage the plants, but temperatures under 20 F will harm them.

The mistake to avoid: Don't wait until the sprouts split open, and don't let temperatures drop under 20 F, which will harm the plants.

Timing varies by region and year; your local extension office is the closest authority.

Grounded in: ag.ndsu.edu, extension.illinois.edu, extension.usu.edu, extension.wvu.edu. Every timing follows sentences verified verbatim on those pages.

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