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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23 Jan 20, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
My Brussels sprouts plants have a purple tinge on the stems. Are they deficient in some trace element? They also seem to be shedding the bottom leaves which have turned yellow .
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27 Jan 20, anon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Sprouts are more a winter thing than Summer I thought. I don't know about cool climate requirements.
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23 Jun 19, Colin Robinson (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to be able to purchase some Brussel tops, as they make a great green to eat with a good roast and the green water makes a fantastic gravy. Do you know anywhere in NSW that I can purchase some? We live in Goulburn NSW
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24 Jun 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you are talking the top of the plant then a farmer who grows brussels.
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04 May 19, Tina (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I planted my brussel sprout in early October I trimmed back all the lower leaves and I'm barely starting to get fruit now it's the first weekend in May and I'm getting little fruit about the size of a pencil eraser does it normally take this long?
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28 May 23, Nicole (USA - Zone 9b climate)
We planted ours in September. Our plants got huge by February but the actual sprouts remained tiny...and spicy! We discovered how delicious the leaves are so now we grow brussel sprouts for the leaves, rather than the brussels themselves :)
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01 May 19, janet (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I need the broussel sprouts seeds can I get I an in Kenya
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19 May 19, Melony Hendricks (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi I can mail you some. Let me know if you're sorted. I'm not a seller. No need to pay me.
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10 Mar 19, Rob Lines (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have been growing Brussel sprouts in Christchurch successfully for several years and have found Christmas Day the best time to plant them. They need this long period of pre winter growth to become strong and to form the sprouts.
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21 Dec 20, Rob C (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The Syngenta sprout variety was Abacus.
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Showing 61 - 70 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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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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