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

11 Oct 21, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
A couple of points. Plant tall plants in the southern end of your garden (then they don't shade other plants). The sun crosses approx over head E to W in the summer and in the north in winter NE to NW.
05 Oct 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Gardenate does not recommend growing Brussels sprouts in Sub Tropical NZ www.gardenate.com/plant/Brussels sprouts?zone=7
10 Sep 21, Tandelakhe Mgijima (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can I plant Brussels sprouts in September
14 Sep 21, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
It says Jan - March. The reason, most vegetables are seasonal, so you need to plant in the right season.
07 Apr 21, Kwena (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
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?
08 Apr 21, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
It says here 3 to 6 months to harvest time. Also plant Jan Feb.
04 Mar 21, Holly Ann Blanton (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I was just curious, i live i the Valdosta Georgia area and I wanted to know something. I have he Catskill Brussel Sprouts and It tells me for my region for where I live is very close to North Florida border. Approzimately 10 min away. So I am located exactly in the middle of the georgia map. At the bottom. If you see. As for the Burpee seeds that I got today at my local walmart store it states for the climate that I do not need to plant until September-November ... now for the northern tip of the border of Georgia it states that the Catskill Brussel Sprouts can plant in April-May. Any suggestions..
05 Mar 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Brussel sprouts do better in cool weather, so choose your planting time when you know the hot summer days are finished.
16 Jul 21, Holly Blanton (USA - Zone 2b climate)
Thanks so much for the input. It is now Middle of July. Starting off the seeds in a Jiffy greenhouse starter . Looking forward in planting my Catskill Brussels. Surely, I will let let you all know how my harvesting goes. :)
15 Dec 20, Damian Orisakwe (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Can Brussels Sprouts grow in hot West African weather? If yes, what type can survive? Thanks. Damian
Showing 41 - 50 of 198 comments

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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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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