Brussels Sprouts are annuals and need to be replanted each year. The plants grow to be about twelve inches high, producing multiple “sprouts” for harvesting. Seeds are started indoors and the small plants placed outside when any chance of hard frost has passed in your growing zone. Warmer climates will want to do a fall planting; the cooler climates are usually safe to plant around the end of March or start of April, after the roughest cold weather has passed. Direct seeding is a good way to start this crop, but as mentioned before, you can seed in trays and be ready for the first spring warm up. This will ensure plenty of growing times to give you a harvest in approximately three months from the time transplants are placed in the ground. Direct seeding will result in a harvest about two to three weeks later than the transplants.

Full sun or partial shade is the area Brussels sprouts will be happiest in. This crop likes a sweet or slightly alkaline spoil of a pH level of at least 6.5. Organic matter is added to help keep the moisture these plants need for their rapid growth and production periods.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

This relative of kale and cabbage hails from the city, Brussels in the country of Belgium. The Belgians have been growing Brussels sprouts since the 1200s. Though the green variety is what is most familiar on the dinner table, like cabbage, there is a red variety of sprouts as well. Light frost and colder weather enhances this crop and makes it perfect for a fall crop in warmer climates.

PLANTING BRUSSELS SPROUTS

TRANSPLANTING

When transplanting Brussels sprouts, the soil should be firm, but not compacted around the stem of the plant. Spacing the plants about two to three feet apart give them plenty of room to spread out as they grow. Direct seeding should be done in one quarter to one half inch of soil, being sure to keep the soil moist.

Unfortunately, Brussels sprouts have many of the same problems as cabbage and broccoli when it comes to common insect pests. Controlling these pests is best done with a mild soapy insecticide approximately once a week and by placing diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants. This is very effective against root cutter and slugs! Diseases can be controlled quite easily by rotating the crop each year.

An extra Tip: While the Brussels sprouts are small you can plant a short season crop in amongst the rows. Bush peas, beans and radishes are excellent choices. The peas and beans add nitrogen to the soil.

The sprout is actually a bud to the plant that will produce a flower. Warm weather and long days will open these buds and then the sprouts are not suitable for eating because they become bitter.