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 7°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 45 - 60 cm 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
09 Dec 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I am from melbourne. I put the seeds in the mid of March and they are 1 meter tall now but no sprouts yet. Tiny balls appear between the nodes and with few days they flower up. Its been 8 months now. Please suggest what to be done
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Nov 15, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
planting time for Brussels sprouts depends on the variety and can be as early as Oct-Nov and as late as Feb. Good seed providers should state what month they should be planted. Look up an old book - Vegetable gardening in Australia by Norman de vaus. He has good advice and a good understanding of how to grow brussels sprouts. Finally some of the seed you are buying may not be well selected and may never give good spouts no matter what you do. Hybrid seed is one option if you are sick of failing at Brussels sprouts.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Oct 15, Kate (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Our Brussel sprouts don't seem to be growing. We have healthy looking plants (leafy cabbage like with a centre the size of a tennis ball) We have taken away 5 layers of leaves from underneath, but still nothing. They have been growing approx 4 months from seedling. Hope you can give us a tip to get the sprouts started... With thanks.....
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Oct 15, john (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i planted my brussel sprouts early they have grown really good to about 4 foot high and plenty of leaves but the sprouts are only small,now it is october and the weather is getting hotter do i persist with them hoping the sprouts will get bigger or just pull them out.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Sep 15, Jacqueline (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown Brussel sprouts and they are just forming and some a little bigger than my thumb nail but plant is now going to seed should I pick off the seeds so sprouts can get bigger as most are just tiny Thanking you
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Apr 15, Akela (USA - Zone 13a climate)
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Apr 15, Greg West (Australia - temperate climate)
When to plant in Tasmania
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Feb 15, Jacques (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I tried to grow Brussel Sprouts but the little sprouts are tiny and then they open on the stem. I didnt get a harvest out of them. How do I get those big sprouts on the vine
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Feb 15, Giffo (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
When is the best time to sow for harvest around Christmas?
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Nov 20, Anonymous (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
It has a suggested growing time, like 17 weeks, you could count back from Xmas.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 111 - 120 of 197 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Brussels sprouts

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.