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

Your comments and tips

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31 Jan 09, Sally (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What can I spray on my Brussell sprouts and brocoli and cabbage to stop them being eaten? Would like something I have in the kitchen that is not toxic please.
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23 Oct 15, Vicki (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Sally, A friend gave me a great tip this year that has kept my broccoli and cabbage pest free! I got a packet of ping pong balls and drew big eyes on them with permanent marker and stuck them onto skewers and put them in the garden so they were visible and that's worked a treat and I have no even seen any white butterflies in the garden at all. I have no idea how it works and I was sceptical but she swore by it and it has worked for me too, as for snails, I find mulching and some sawdust helps.
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20 Jan 09, glenda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
my sprouts grow well but the fruit is only pea size, what am I doing wrong
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15 Jan 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Jo, the answers will appear in the same area. But sometimes it takes a while before they happen.
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13 Jan 09, jo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i see lots of questions with no answers. Is there somewhere special to go to see the answers because the questions are very good.
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28 Jul 08, John (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Should I pinch out the young bottom sprouts to help the grownth of other sprouts further up
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21 May 08, Leontine (Unknown climate)
My brussel sprouts have grown the leaves etc and to a reasonable height but no sign of "fruit" yet. Instead the heart of the flowering leaves is covered in soft substance, bit like insect poop (?!). Have they got some kind of disease or is this normal? We've had a lot of rain so not sure if this is the problem?
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what time of year should I start brussels, started some in march, but they are just now 4 weeks later about 2 inches above ground.

- Akela

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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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