Growing Brussels sprouts

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
        P              

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

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

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12 Jan 22, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
This crop was named after Brussels, Belgium - where they have grown this crop for centuries. This crop tastes best after a light freeze. I've never tried to grow this crop in your climate.... but my best guess is the plant would not thrive and the brussels sprouts inferior. Research indicates: Sprouts that mature during hot or dry weather will be flimsy and bitter.
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10 Jan 22, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Your average temperature would be too hot for brussel sprouts. They like a cool start.
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04 Jan 22, Grant (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Grew brussel sprouts for the first time in Blenheim. Was impressed with the size of the plants. But, when I took the sprouts off they were full of a white powdery substance. When I shook the plants, white fly came off them. Is there any hope for my sprouts? Some of them are still developing .
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07 Jan 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Research an organic spray for white fly. Or a chemical one.
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17 Dec 21, Joanne (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
My plants are tall and healthy but have no sprouts on them?
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08 Dec 21, Donald Green (USA - Zone 6b climate)
when should brussel sprouts be seeded for spring planting
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11 Dec 21, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
March to June planting for zone 6b.
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08 Oct 21, Jess (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi My Brussel sprouts were growing really well and now with the buds forming they are all loose and floppy. Is there something that I can do to stop that? Thanks in advance.
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05 Oct 21, APB (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Would`nt even bother to grow these Again .. grew in trays .. Put some in pots ( Big fail, due to the very large root system) some in the garden very healthy.. takes up a lot of room, takes way to long to grow in a small garden.. all it did was keep the slugs happy , shaded out, every other growing vegetables.. Lost my patience.. and ripped them all out..6 months from seed to harvest is too long. cheaper just to buy in the store in season
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11 Oct 21, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
A couple of points. Plant tall plants in the southern end of your garden (then they don't shade other plants). The sun crosses approx over head E to W in the summer and in the north in winter NE to NW.
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Showing 31 - 40 of 197 comments
See comments for all plants

Alison, they do need a good winter chill, even frosts to form good sized sprouts. Force feeding won't help.

- Chris

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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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