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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04 Jan 16, Patrick (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The cabbage like top of the Brussel Sprout is the best part. If you get a good frost on them the sprouts will be nice and tight so don't shelter or protect them from the frost.
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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
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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.
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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.....
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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.
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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
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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.
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03 Apr 15, Greg West (Australia - temperate climate)
When to plant in Tasmania
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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
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05 Feb 15, Giffo (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
When is the best time to sow for harvest around Christmas?
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Showing 111 - 120 of 198 comments
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My Brussels sprout seeds are 175-200 day to maturity. I have tried to start in doors and plant out in June in a mostly shade area, the last 3 seasons, but have never had sprouts develop. I figured it was because we have been having too warm weather, and maybe not enough sun? This season I started in January indoors, and will put them out in March with some frost protection, with more sun. Thoughts?

- Kristen

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