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These little cabbages do take a few months to grow, so patience indeed is a virtue. However, it is well worth the reward with the first harvest of crunchy, sweet-flavored sprouts replete with vitamins A, C, and K.
| Common Name | Brussels Sprout |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Plant Type | Vegetable |
| Mature Size | 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Type | Loamy, well-draining |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic (6.0–6.8) |
| Bloom Time | Biennial grown as an annual |
| Hardiness Zones | 2–10 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Europe |
How to Plant Brussel Sprouts
When to Plant Brussel Sprouts
- Spring Planting: Those living in areas with a short growing season, the seeds for this crop should be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. They can be transplanted outside when the soil has warmed up to at least 45-50°F (7-10°C) as small seedlings do not have active growth in much cooler temperatures.
- Fall Planting: In areas with a longer cool season, Brussels sprouts may be completed in the middle of late summer to accommodate fall and winter harvests. Flavor and texture in Brussels sprouts are significantly enhanced by cooler temperatures following light frosts.
Soil Preparation for Brussels Sprouts
- Loosen the soil to at least 12 inches deep to allow for taproot development, which can be quite long. Brussels sprouts prefer fertile soil built by additions of compost, aged manure or slow-release organic fertilizer.
- Maintaining soil pH of 6.0–6.8 helps to prevent deficiency problems. Test and adjust your soil as necessary before planting with lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
spacing and depth
- Good spacing prevents crowding and allows for air circulation. Set seedlings in well-worked soil, spacing them 18-24 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart. Crowding will result in a reduction of sprouts and makes the plants more susceptible to mildew-type diseases.
- When transplanting, Set seedlings deeper than the first set of leaves into the soil to promote a healthy and strong formation of root to anchor the tall stalks of maturing plants.
Sun, Water, and Fertilization
Sun Requirements
- Brussels sprouts require full sun for 6-8 hours daily. Although they will tolerate shade, Brussels sprouts do tend to be leggy with lower yields if this is excessive. Partial shade during the intense heat of the day for those areas that realize extremely hot summers may also help in reducing stress caused by heat.
Watering Tips
- Keep the soil consistently moist in the season. Deepwater for root development; about 1-2 inches of water a week including rainfall. Mulching around the plants retains moisture and de Beer's growth of weeds, which compete for fertility with plants.
Fertilization Schedule
- Fertilize regularly using a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Make applications every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the growing season to encourage leafy growth and sprout formation.
- Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders, and a side dressing of compost tea or liquid seaweed fertilizer at mid-season will help boost production. Also avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizing late in the season, which will delay development of the sprouts.
Popular Varieties of Brussels Sprouts for Home Gardens
There are several different varieties of Brussels sprouts, each differing in their unique characteristics concerning yield, maturity, size, and even color. The following are some of the most prominent types:
- Jade Cross – A compact hybrid that does very well in windy areas and is relatively heat-tolerant compared to most others; it matures in about 87-100 days.
- Long Island Improved - This heirloom variety yields high on a small plant with wind resistance and frost tolerance. Maturity is within 80-115 days.
- Oliver - A hybrid variety producing large, firm heads of tightly packed green sprouts, very disease-resistant. It reaches maturity in approximately 90-100 days.
- Falstaff - This variety is known for its distinctive colored reddish-purple-colored sprouts, being ornamental and edible in taste. The time to harvest will be around 98 days.
These varieties also vary in their appearance and performance relating to specific climatic conditions, such as heat or frost, and their susceptibility to disease. You may select the appropriate type of strawberry according to your environment and needs.
Growing Brussels Sprouts in Containers
Brussels sprouts can be container grown but do need quite deep pots-at least 12 to 16 inches for root growth. Use a very well-draining potting soil amendment with compost to provide adequate nutrition.
Since containers dry out much faster than garden soil, check more frequently and water when the top inch of soil has dried. Place the container to receive full sun for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for the best performance.
Pruning and Plant Supports
How and When to Prune
- Pruning annually sends the energy into producing sprouts rather than tender leaves. Remove lower leaves that turn yellow, or have started to die off due to restricting air flow and fungal diseases.
- Allow the sprouts now to develop evenly down the stem. Cut off the plant's growing tip 4 - 6 weeks over the harvest period now.
Staking and Plant Support
Staking or caging the plants is necessary, particularly in windy areas. As the sprouts develop, the stalks become top-heavy, making them susceptible to falling over, and staking can prevent this from happening.
Pest and Disease Control
Common Pests
- Aphids: The new growth is a gathering place for these sap-sucking insects, and curled leaves result. Kill the infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cabbage Worms and Loopers: Very effectively controlled through hand-picking of caterpillars or application of Bt, a biological pesticide. Flea Beetles: These insects usually perforate small pinholes into the leaves. Young plants can be protected by using row covers and dusting with diatomaceous earth.
Diseases to Watch For
- Club Root: It is a soil-borne disease, generally characterized by poor root development with swollen misshapen features. Regular crop rotation and maintaining the pH of the soil above 6.5 can reduce its risk.
- Black Rot: The disease is characterized by the yellowing of leaves with black veins. The disease is highly contagious. As a result, such infected plants need to be taken away from the land right away. Ensure good air circulation to reduce moisture around the plants in close proximity.
How to Pick Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are usually ready for harvest within 90-120 days from planting, depending on the variety used. The first sprouts can be picked when they have reached a diameter of about 1-2 inches and are firm enough.
Start removing the lower sprouts, as these mature a little sooner than the rest, then move up the stalk over several weeks. For the most flavor development, wait until after a light frost has occurred- the cold allows sugar to break down within the sprouts.
Common Growing Problems and Solutions
- Small Shoots: The potential reasons for small shoots are either because of inferior water or because the plants are not provided with sufficient space. Keep the soil with a uniform amount of dampness and ensure that the area between plants is adequate for its growth.
- Yellow Leaves: Generally, yellow leaves depict that the plants have some kind of nitrogen deficiency or are getting too much water. Their treatment involves treating the plants with some sort of nitrogenous fertilizer along with eliminating extra water if the soil seems to be excessively wet.
- Leggy Plants: This is the tall growing plants that set few sprouts due to lack of light. Provide container plants with a brighter home or adjust their placement in the garden.
How to Extend the Growing Season
- Protect from Frost: Protect plants from early frost by covering them with row covers or garden fabric.
- Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for successive harvests.
- Mulching: Heavy mulch around the crown insulates the roots and extends the season in cold snaps.
Companion Planting
- Best Companions: Onions, garlic, and marigolds grow well with Brussels sprouts. They repel some of the insects that plague vegetables and attract good insects.
- Avoid Growing With: Beans, tomatoes, and strawberries are not grown with sprouts because these vegetables encourage pests which decrease the yield of sprouts.
FAQs
How long does it take to grow Brussels sprouts?
Variety and conditions, but an average of 90-120 days from planting to harvest.
Do Brussels sprouts need full sun?
Yes, they do prefer 6-8 hours of sun daily, but partial shade will work if it is hot.
Will Brussels sprouts work in containers?
Yes, they do rather well in large containers as long as their depth is sufficient and drainage is proper.
Why don't my heads of Brussels sprouts form?
It is mainly because of the heat stresses, poor fertility of the soil, or lack of sufficient spacing between the rows and plants. Give them enough spacing and make sure the plants have enough water and fertilizer.
Summary
Growing Brussels sprouts can be very rewarding; it requires attention to careful planning and continuous maintenance for growth. Yields are really worth it, come winter in any bed or container, with the effort paid in the long seasonal growing paying through in the harvesting of cold-ripened crops full of flavor and nutrients. The best practice in each would definitely allow you to enjoy the entire goodness of the crop, as you would look forward to reaping these delicious crops for meals soon.
Gardeners Basics, Brussels Sprouts Seeds for Planting - Long Island Improved Heirloom, Non-GMO
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The Old Farmer's Almanac Heirloom Brussels Sprouts Seeds (Long Island Improved) - Approx 700 Seeds
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