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Growing Brussels sprouts

(Brassica sp.)

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

(Best months for planting Brussels sprouts in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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 45°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 14-28 weeks. Pick sprouts when small. Recommended soil pH 6-7.
  • 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

Your comments and tips

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21 Sep 12, Sue Leonard (Australia - temperate climate)
Have never grown sprouts before. One plant is doing well, quite tall but now is covered in yellow flowers, is this normal, it is now, mid September. What can I do..Thank you..
12 Sep 12, ron in cannerra (Australia - temperate climate)
Plenty of leaves and sprouts But are just hollow I think this is food needed if so what type.
09 Apr 13, Eddie Scutter (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hollow sprouts (or any member of the same family like Broccolli) indicates Boron deficiency
13 May 12, Gaye Hodge (Australia - arid climate)
What a comprehensive and helpful site for people like me living in an arid zone [Alice Springs - Australia]. We have red sandy caly predominant soiul. What are the best fertilisers for winter vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts?
18 Apr 12, manny (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
After picking the sprouts, will new ones grow on the same stem as with broccoli?
19 Apr 12, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Sprouts will continue to form up the stem, so pick from the bottom first. You can also cut the top and and eat that when you have had enough sprouts off the plant.
19 Apr 12, Manny (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Than you Liz.Much appreciated. Manny
27 Mar 12, julie (Australia - temperate climate)
HI just answering about brussle sprouts , they do need a frost on them wait for acool night below 5 dec and put some crushed ice on them or tip the ice from your freezer this stimulates them in to budding good luck
08 Feb 12, Kay (Australia - temperate climate)
It's likely to be because it's too warm. They prefer a colder climate & stay more compact
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

Post a question, comment or tip about Brussels sprouts

Brussel Sprouts are in the same family as Broccolli.Cauliflower and Cabbage so grow BS the same way you would these vegetables and yes Jan-Feb is the correct sowing time for these types of vegetables they are a winter autumn grower.

- Sri


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