Brussels Sprouts Growing Guide
Brussels sprouts are winter vegetables that thrive in sunny locations and fertile soil. This cool-weather crop is planted in early spring or mid to late summer for a fall harvest. Its flavor is enhanced after a few small frosts. Brussels sprouts are a staple in traditional Christmas lunch but are also used in a variety of dishes other than festive feasts. This hardy, slow, easy-to-grow vegetable provides fresh and nutritious harvests even in the coldest weather.
Read on to learn how to grow and harvest this delicious vegetable in your garden.
About Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are named after the city of Brussels, Belgium, where they were first planted in the 16th century and enjoyed for centuries. They belong to the cabbage or brassica family and are incredibly resilient, producing good crops even in the hardest winters. This vegetable is commonly found in supermarkets but less frequently in home gardens. This is most likely due to their long growing season (80-100 days to harvest). They grow best for fall or early winter harvest as a cool-season crop. Sprouts have the sweetest flavor after a light frost or two.
Brussels sprouts are large, quirky-looking plants that grow up to 1m (3ft) tall. They have a leafy top and robust stalk covered in tiny, rounded green or purple sprouts. Brussels sprouts are a great source of dietary fiber, folic acid, and vitamins C and D. The vegetable is "superfood" because it also includes glucosinolates, which are anti-cancer compounds.
Types of Brussels Sprouts
There are more than 100 varieties of Brussels sprouts available to choose from. F1 hybrid types are the greatest option if you want large quantities of delicious, high-quality sprouts. They vary in productivity, days to maturity, disease resistance, plant size, and the size and color of the sprouts. Popular types include:
Long Island Improved is a compact, heirloom plant variety that prefers cool summer and produces high yields. It can handle wind and freezing temperatures.
Jade Cross is another compact, high-yield hybrid variety known for its tolerance to hot weather. It is more heat-tolerant than other varieties and suitable for windy locations.
Oliver has large bright green sprouts that are evenly spaced on the stem. This variety is also well-known for its disease resistance and shorter growing season.
Falstaff has reddish-purple sprouts that hold their color when cooked. This variety also makes an attractive ornamental plant.
Diablo is a heavy producer of smooth, solid, medium-sized sprouts. This F1 hybrid variety is sweeter and tender.
Spacing and Soil Needs for Planting Brussels
Brussels sprouts thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting, add several inches of aged manure or compost to improve the soil. Choose a sunny planting area with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is best to plant Brussels sprouts in raised garden beds when temperatures are inconsistent in early spring and fall.
Brussels needs room to spread out, so space seeds 3-4 inches apart and space seedlings 18-24 inches apart.
When to Plant Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts thrives in cooler weather. Since they take a long time to grow, it is best to start growth by planting young plants or seedlings. Brussel sprouts need at least 80 days to mature, and a little frost enhances their flavor.
Sow seeds about four months before your region's expected first fall frost date. For areas with cold winters, that probably means early to midsummer. This will allow you to enjoy harvest in the fall or early winter. In areas with moderate winters, plants are planted in the middle to late summer for a mid- to late-winter crop.
If you want to start with seeds, direct sow into the garden in mid-to-late summer for a fall harvest. Seedlings can be planted in the garden 6 to 10 weeks before the first frost. Gardeners in cold areas can plant them outside as soon as the soil is workable for spring crops.
How to Plant Brussels Sprouts
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-prepared ground. If you're direct sowing outdoors, space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart. If you're planting seedlings, space them 18 to 24 inches apart. Water thoroughly at the time of sowing or transplanting to encourage growth. When the young plant reaches about 6 inches tall, thin the plant to 12-24 inches apart and use row cover to protect plants from pests.
Fertilization Needs
Once the seedlings reach about six inches tall, fortnightly use an organic nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Reapply it throughout the growing season as directed on the label. Do not use fertilizer that contains a weed killer, as this could destroy your vegetable plants.
To improve your soil, add well-rotted compost or manure in spring or fall. Don't use fresh manure, as it may increase weed problems and harmful bacteria.
Watering Brussel Sprouts
Regular, consistent watering is key to abundant harvests of Brussels sprouts. If the soil becomes overly dry, the sprouts will wither and not fully develop. Water the top inch of soil when dry and check it frequently.
Water seedlings and young plants regularly. Once they're established and growing well and there's no rain, repeat the process every ten to fourteen days. You should water deeply but infrequently while keeping the soil moist but not soggy. One to two inches of water is needed each week.
Use a drip irrigation system to water Brussels deeply and save water. Apply mulch around the plant to preserve soil moisture and inhibit weed growth. Inconsistent moisture can lead to poor sprout development.
Harvesting and Usage
Brussels sprouts start producing sprouts when they reach full height. Sprouts grow at the base of the leaf stalk or joint. They start maturing from bottom to upward. When the lower sprouts reach about an inch, start harvesting. Pick them before they grow too big and start to crack and become bitter. You can pick the lower sprouts when they grow about the size of walnuts.
Early Brussel varieties can be harvested from fall onwards, but the main harvesting season is winter because the flavor of sprouts gets enhanced once they experience frosts. Remove the lower leaves and pull off the sprouts with a sharp downward tug. You can also use pruners for this. Check your plants regularly and harvest the sprouts as they form. You can also use the entire stalk to keep sprouts longer.
Sprouts are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They can be cooked in various ways, such as sauteing, stir-frying, and roasting.
Although sprouts are best eaten fresh, they can be kept in a plastic bag for several days in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can pick full stems and hang them in a cool, frost-free garage or shed or stand them in water for a few days, then harvest the sprouts as needed.
Common Diseases and Care
Brussel sprouts are typically hardy, disease-resistant plants, but they can suffer from pests and diseases that affect the cabbage family. They are best grown under mesh netting to protect them from pigeons and cabbage caterpillars. Here are the pests and diseases that can be problematic for these crops.
Caterpillars: Brussels, cabbages, and other brassica crops are food sources for caterpillars. They are the larvae of small and large white butterflies and moths.
Cabbage Root Fly: The maggots of this pest eat the roots of the crop, leading to blueish leaves that wilt in the sun. Inspect the plant's root for white maggots. Wrap cabbage collars around the stems to stop the attack.
Clubroot: It is a fungal disease that grows in acidic soil and can remain there for numerous years. The disease causes stunted growth. Solarize soil and rotate crops to prevent this disease.
Several other fungal diseases, such as black rot, white mold, and downy mildew, can also affect Brussels sprouts. Proper air circulation around plants helps prevent fungal problems. If plants get infected, it is best to destroy them.
The Bottom Line
Brussels sprouts are one of the most rewarding crops to grow and are loved by many. These hardy, low-maintenance vegetables make excellent winter garden crops. You can use their leaves and sprouts, which resemble mini cabbage heads, for an enhanced flavor in various dishes.
Grow this classic winter vegetable in your garden and enjoy abundant, nutritious harvests even in the coldest weather.