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Growing Brussels sprouts

(Brassica sp.)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Not recommended for growing in Australia - sub-tropical regions

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 7°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
Space plants: 45 - 60 cm apart
Harvest in 14-28 weeks. Pick sprouts when small.
Compatible with: Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
Avoid growing with: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Mature brussels sprouts

Grown for its small (typically 2.5 cm diameter) leafy green buds, which resemble miniature cabbages.

BETTER IN COOLER AREAS.

Brussel Sprouts will not grow good "sprouts" in warm areas - they open and are floppy.

In warm areas they are likely to be infested with aphids Pick formed sprouts from the bottom of the stems leaving the plant growing.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Brussels sprouts

Remove any discoloured outer leaves.
Cut in half and steam with other vegetables.
Do not overcook as that produces the distinctive smell that puts people off eating Brussels sprouts!
They go well with a chopped tomato and onion mix.
Traditionally served with roasted chestnuts for Xmas dinner in UK.

Your comments and tips

22 Aug 11, (Australia - temperate climate): why do my brussel sprouts seem to be more of an open leave than compact i use seasol fertiliser at 3 week intervals
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16 Aug 11, Val (Australia - sub-tropical climate): We have had a cold winter this year. we have successfully grown Brussels Spouts but are wondering if the cabbage like top of the plant is edible?
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12 Jun 11, Arthur (Australia - temperate climate): This year ive spent more time looking at the problems with my brussel sprouts and the rest of my greens cabbage cau. lettuce etc this is what I found.When the weathers warm, water in the evenings giving your plants a good soaking.Dont water over head but round the root of the plants.If you do this you will sprouts instead of little cabbages.Arthur ( the mad gardner)
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24 May 11, daz (Australia - temperate climate): it should be fine.
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20 Mar 11, luke (Australia - sub-tropical climate): wat happens if i plant my seedlings now in the end of march ???
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25 Feb 11, mark devine (Australia - cool/mountain climate): i live in mt gambier SA ive just put in some BS what pests should i beware of here please ???
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27 Oct 10, chad (Australia - temperate climate): have not grown brussel sprouts before but seem to have big plants and leaves and dont know what or if anything to do next. no fruit as yet. just letting them go
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16 Jan 11, daniel (Australia - temperate climate): Hi Chad, You need to be sowing your seeds as early as December (Some varieties, November) and setting the seedlings out in mid January you if you are anywhere close the Sydney climate (I am in the lower Blue Mountains). The information on gardenate is sometimes too general. Also the harvest time is 20-28 weeks not the 12-13 stated here. I had the same problem as you
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22 Nov 10, Tassy Michele (Australia - cool/mountain climate): Hiya Chad, Have the same problem but have noticed the tiniest of buds in the crook of the leaves (closest to the stem) ..... fingers crossed these are baby sprouts .... will just have to wait and see. Cheers Michele
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18 Oct 10, greig nichols (Australia - temperate climate): I have these large brussel sprout plants in my garden next to my cabbbages ( they are doing well) but the BS are all leaf and no sprouts the plants actuallly look as healthy as but..as I mentioned no sprouts and i tis now Oct is it to late for them and do I pull them out or do I leave them and see what happens.. I planted all three at the same time brocccoli , cabbage and BS thankyou
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See planting calendar for these countries and climate zones

Australia - arid, Australia - cool/mountain, Australia - sub-tropical, Australia - temperate, Australia - tropical, New Zealand - cool/mountain, New Zealand - sub-tropical, New Zealand - temperate, South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical, South Africa - Humid sub-tropical, South Africa - Semi-arid, South Africa - Summer rainfall, United Kingdom - cool/temperate, United Kingdom - warm/temperate, USA - Central West Coast, USA - Maritime Northwest, USA - Mid-Atlantic, USA - North East, USA - South East and Gulf States, USA - South West, USA - Upper Midwest

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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