Brussels Sprouts

brussels sprouts

  • Botanical name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
  • Plant type: Vegetable
  • Sun exposure: Full Sun
  • Soil type: Any
  • Soil pH: Neutral

Brussels Sprouts are a member of the cabbage family, and an excellent source of protein and vitamins. They have a long growing season, and are generally more successful when grown for a fall harvest, as they only increase in flavor after a light frost or two.

Planting

  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost.
  • While starting seeds indoors is recommended, you may also direct sow seeds 4 months before the first fall frost. You may also have luck finding seedlings at a nursery.
  • Raised beds are especially recommended for cold season vegetables, especially when seasons are changing and temps are not consistent.
  • Work fertilizer into soil a few days before planting or transplanting.
  • Plant transplant seedlings 12-24 inches apart.
  • If direct sowing seeds, plant ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Thin plants to 12-24 inches apart when they reach 6 inches tall.
  • Water well at time of planting/transplanting.

Care

  • Fertilize three weeks after transplanting.
  • Mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature cool.
  • Do not cultivate, roots are shallow and susceptible to damage.

Pests

  • Aphids
  • Cabbage Root Maggots
  • Flea Beetles
  • Clubroot
  • Downy Mildew
  • White Mold

Harvest/Storage

  • Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk when they reach about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Do not wash the sprouts before storing them, only right before use.
  • Keep in plastic for up to 5 days, in the refrigerator.
  • Protect the plant by mulching with straw or providing a cover if you plan to harvest into the winter.

Recommended Varieties

  • ‘Jade Cross’ is resistant to some diseases.
  • ‘Oliver’ is an early variety.
  • ‘Valiant’ produces consistent, uniform sprouts.

Recipes

  • Vegetable Curry
  • Tuscany Brussels Sprouts

You may love them or hate them, but growing Brussels sprouts in the vegetable garden is definitely an interesting experience. These miniature cabbages are actually quite tasty but the plants themselves are not without their share of problems. Learn how to grow Brussels sprouts with the information provide in these pages so caring for the plants in times of crises will be much easier.