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 45°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 24 inches 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

05 May 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Gardenate advises plant in SEPT. They need cool or cold weather for best results.
06 Feb 22, Novene Manley (USA - Zone 8b climate)
First time growing Brussel Sprouts. Is it o.k. to cut off the larger outer leaves if they are yellowed or otherwise damaged? Will that affect the sprouts in any way?
21 Mar 23, GodsChild17 (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Did you read this article? It said yes we should absolutely cut off any discolored or damaged leaves, the same goes with EVERY plant in the garden. The reason is because the plant will focus all of its energy on trying to fix its damaged leaves so you should avoid it wasting energy like that and chop them off!!! You want the plant to focus ALL of its energy on growing the actual fruits or whatever it’s supposed to grow.
07 Feb 22, (USA - Zone 4a climate)
You could take them off..
21 Jan 22, Kristen (USA - Zone 5b climate)
My Brussels sprout seeds are 175-200 day to maturity. I have tried to start in doors and plant out in June in a mostly shade area, the last 3 seasons, but have never had sprouts develop. I figured it was because we have been having too warm weather, and maybe not enough sun? This season I started in January indoors, and will put them out in March with some frost protection, with more sun. Thoughts?
21 Mar 23, GodsChild17 (USA - Zone 9a climate)
If you read the article and you’re in zone 9A it says to plant them outside in SEPTEMBER. If you’ve done this the correct time of year (this is a cool weather crop, hence it says plant outside in September) and you’re plants are not producing sprouts all along the stem then maybe you’re not giving it proper fertilizer so it can produce the sprouts??? Also you NEED to make sure that they are NOT planted close together… i’ve done several experiments with these in different growing conditions and the only ones that produced were the sprouts that I planted in a 5 gallon grow bag, using a good soil mixture and proper nutrients placed in a location of my yard that gets full sun. Good luck, don’t give up!!! Also maybe try a different variety.
17 Jul 22, Allan brooks (USA - Zone 3b climate)
Brussel sprouts need full sun 6-8 hours a day. Shade area not ideal
24 Jan 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The guide here says plants seeds in March and plant out in May. Most veggies need plenty of sun.
10 Jan 22, Alison E Verdonk (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I actually live in Salalah Oman and temp is always between 25 to 35 degrees celsius. Will it be possible to grow brussel sprouts in this temp?
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.
Showing 21 - 30 of 196 comments

Brussel sprouts do better in cool weather, so choose your planting time when you know the hot summer days are finished.

- Liz

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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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