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
  • Mature brussels sprouts
  • Young plant (CC BY-SA 3.0 WikiMedia)

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

BETTER IN COOLER AREAS.

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

In warm areas they are likely to be 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

27 Nov 22, Donald Herster Green (USA - Zone 6b climate)
when to put out brussel sprout transplants in zone 6b
03 May 22, kathy (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I planted my brussel sprouts in the fall and they haven't produced any brussel sprouts, only stalk and leaves. They are still in the ground. I used 8-8-8 fertilizer. Do I need to use a different fertilizer?
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?
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?
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.
08 Dec 21, Donald Green (USA - Zone 6b climate)
when should brussel sprouts be seeded for spring planting
11 Dec 21, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
March to June planting for zone 6b.
Showing 1 - 10 of 30 comments

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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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