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

30 Jun 10, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm in exactly the same boat except mine are half your size. mine are doing the same thing. I gently peeled it back and saw another yellow leaf forming. I'm pretty sure it's the start of a sprout. As this is my 1st attempt as well.....my theory is let it grow and see what happens (I'll still "stake" it for support) Then have a better understanding with my next batch
20 Mar 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
apparently ive heard if you cut the top of the plant dies unsure just let them grow naturally
28 Sep 10, Susan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My Brussel sprouts are growing well about 80cm tall but the sprouts are still only pea size. They were planted end of June. Will the sprouts develop from here or is it now too late for them? Also have celery growing well but all pencil thick, planted at the same time - will the stems thicken now? Many thanks for your help Susan
18 Oct 10, greig nichols (Australia - temperate climate)
I have these large brussel sprout plants in my garden next to my cabbbages ( they are doing well) but the BS are all leaf and no sprouts the plants actuallly look as healthy as but..as I mentioned no sprouts and i tis now Oct is it to late for them and do I pull them out or do I leave them and see what happens.. I planted all three at the same time brocccoli , cabbage and BS thankyou
19 Oct 10, Moira (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in country SA and have the same problem, mine are nearly a metre tall and no sign of sprouts! I am about to pull them out and try again next year. I was told that they should be sown in Jan/Feb so that they are mature by the cold of Winter. They need good frosts to fruit, so I guess that we missed it for this year. I have also had broccoli but they didn't get a good large head on them. We ate the "broccolini" though as they were delicious. Any clues to good broccoli next year?
11 Nov 10, Sri (Australia - temperate climate)
Brussel Sprouts are in the same family as Broccolli.Cauliflower and Cabbage so grow BS the same way you would these vegetables and yes Jan-Feb is the correct sowing time for these types of vegetables they are a winter autumn grower.
27 Oct 10, chad (Australia - temperate climate)
have not grown brussel sprouts before but seem to have big plants and leaves and dont know what or if anything to do next. no fruit as yet. just letting them go
22 Nov 10, Tassy Michele (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hiya Chad, Have the same problem but have noticed the tiniest of buds in the crook of the leaves (closest to the stem) ..... fingers crossed these are baby sprouts .... will just have to wait and see. Cheers Michele
16 Jan 11, daniel (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Chad, You need to be sowing your seeds as early as December (Some varieties, November) and setting the seedlings out in mid January you if you are anywhere close the Sydney climate (I am in the lower Blue Mountains). The information on gardenate is sometimes too general. Also the harvest time is 20-28 weeks not the 12-13 stated here. I had the same problem as you
25 Feb 11, mark devine (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
i live in mt gambier SA ive just put in some BS what pests should i beware of here please ???
Showing 21 - 30 of 197 comments

How long does it take to have sprouts forming on the stem. I've planted in December and the plant is just green resembling a rape plant. Do I need to take off leaves from the bottom to encourage growth?

- Kwena

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