Growing Brussels sprouts

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	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

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

Suited to growing in cooler climates.

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

In warm areas they are likely to become infested with aphids. Pick formed sprouts from the bottom of the stems leaving the plant growing. For winter use in very cold areas, dig up plants that have heads developed and set close together in a cold frame or cellar. Pack soil firmly round the roots. Keep cool but not freezing and they will continue to mature. (Planning an Idaho Vegetable Garden: Educational Communication online Publishing Catalog Gardening www. cals.uidaho.edu/ edComm/catalog.asp.)

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

25 Jan 25, Coco's Garden (USA - Zone 8a climate): It's not you!! Zone 6a is a tricky (difficult?) climate for Brussels IMO. Waiting for the right temp to plant in spring means it will be too hot for them, come harvest time. The reverse is your issue in late summer/fall, although you have a fighting chance. Plant approx 5" starts around 4th of July. Protect from white cabbage butterflies using lightweight floating row covers. Protect them from extreme heat (using shade cloth). Later, monitor fall temps. Cover with blankets if temps go below 20F. They will survive temps as low as the high teens (and even as low as 10 for brief periods). I have moved from your zone to 8A, where I plant my 5" starts mid Sept and I harvest my sprouts in Feb and March. Meanwhile!! You have an ideal hardiness zone for garlic, while I have to do backflips bc it's a bit too warm here. Your hardiness zone makes all the difference!
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16 Dec 24, Mike (USA - Zone 6a climate): I've planted BS for a few years in spring and never got a one ! Should I planted for a fall / winter harvest
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30 Jan 24, Greg (USA - Zone 7a climate): It says to avoid growing close to tomatoes. What does "close" mean? 3 ft, 5 ft, 10 ft, 20 ft????? thanks for the help, Greg
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01 Feb 24, (USA - Zone 4a climate): 3' or so.
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22 Dec 23, zach (USA - Zone 8b climate): Growing sprouts in 8b. im having the issue of them not bunching up and just getting open leaves even though we've had pretty cold weather. any thoughts?
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19 Oct 23, Ann Spaid (USA - Zone 7a climate): Seed was planted in June. When should Brussels sprouts be harvested in zone 7?
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10 Sep 23, Janna Wallace (USA - Zone 8b climate): I’m planting Brussel sprouts now from seed in zone 8B for the first time, any suggestions?
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14 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate): Plant in Feb as the guide says.
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31 May 24, Christa (USA - Zone 8b climate): I am in Zone 8b and planted nursery plants in February but they have not produced sprouts and it is probably too hot for them to now.
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26 Apr 23, Lynda (USA - Zone 8b climate): I am a first time gardener with brussels sprouts. I live in zone 8B in Texas. We are at the end of April and the Google play said I can still direct sow the seeds and get a crop. Is this true?
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Growing Brussels sprouts

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Brussels sprouts

Your comments and tips

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Brussels sprouts

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Brussels sprouts

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Brussels sprouts

Your comments and tips

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Brussels sprouts

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