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

20 Mar 11, luke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
wat happens if i plant my seedlings now in the end of march ???
24 May 11, daz (Australia - temperate climate)
it should be fine.
31 May 11, Nikko (Australia - tropical climate)
Avoid even bothering with brussells if u live in a warm area. Even as far south as Sydney in Australia. I live in bayside Brisbane ( I follow the tropical guides cos all sub tropical guides do not work in my experience in Brisbane) and have tried brussells several times and they just fail because the winter is to warm. Although I am trying them again this year with a new tactic. I will keep u's informed. I wouldn't bother if ur the average gardener but.
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)
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?
19 Feb 12, Kerri (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Val. I recently moved to Tasmania and am loving being able to grow the whole range of brassicas. We eat the lot - leaves, stems, flowers - of all of the brassica plants. What we don't eat, the chooks relish. I consider the tops of brussels, including flowers, to be a gardeners treat for break time grazing.
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
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
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
18 Apr 12, manny (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
After picking the sprouts, will new ones grow on the same stem as with broccoli?
Showing 31 - 40 of 196 comments

Thanks for the help. My Brussell Sprouts are all leaves and dont look like they are going to firm up, what might be the problem?

- Sally

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