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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15 Nov 12, Andrew S (Australia - temperate climate)
Managed to get the kids to eat them.. halved..steamed ..then added to balsalmic vinegar, olive oil and a dash of rock salt and pepper.. like a warm brussel sprout salad...
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26 Sep 12, Steven PASSERI (Australia - temperate climate)
My Sprouts look very healthy and there are lots of very small sprouts like small finger nail size all over them but now they have yellow flowers all over the top of the plants. Does this mean they are have gone to seed?
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21 Sep 12, Sue Leonard (Australia - temperate climate)
Have never grown sprouts before. One plant is doing well, quite tall but now is covered in yellow flowers, is this normal, it is now, mid September. What can I do..Thank you..
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12 Sep 12, ron in cannerra (Australia - temperate climate)
Plenty of leaves and sprouts But are just hollow I think this is food needed if so what type.
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09 Apr 13, Eddie Scutter (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hollow sprouts (or any member of the same family like Broccolli) indicates Boron deficiency
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13 May 12, Gaye Hodge (Australia - arid climate)
What a comprehensive and helpful site for people like me living in an arid zone [Alice Springs - Australia]. We have red sandy caly predominant soiul. What are the best fertilisers for winter vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts?
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18 Apr 12, manny (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
After picking the sprouts, will new ones grow on the same stem as with broccoli?
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19 Apr 12, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Sprouts will continue to form up the stem, so pick from the bottom first. You can also cut the top and and eat that when you have had enough sprouts off the plant.
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19 Apr 12, Manny (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Than you Liz.Much appreciated. Manny
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27 Mar 12, julie (Australia - temperate climate)
HI just answering about brussle sprouts , they do need a frost on them wait for acool night below 5 dec and put some crushed ice on them or tip the ice from your freezer this stimulates them in to budding good luck
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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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