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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21 Dec 20, Rob c (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Mid December, manawatu, plant seedlings. But ONLY the variety that produces sprouts, plant xtra plants through to early feb. I’ve grown BS for 15 yrs, generally now very successful. Eating from May to end September 20 plants, so lot sprouts, Variety biggest issue to success. I was in Adelaide, Aus, saw 5 acre paddock big plants, what variety I asked? It was a syngenta seed. Nursery on st George’s rd, Hastings had some, these grew very well as any sprout that could form tight sprouts in Adelaide, in the heat, would do better in manawatu.
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30 Jan 19, Pab (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Cani grow brussel sprouts in the spring and summer
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20 Nov 18, ed mccoskey (USA - Zone 6a climate)
what is the best variaty to grow in zone 6a
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10 Nov 18, Kerrie Torr (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Am I wasting my my time with planting Brussel sprouts At present I have 4 great looking Brussel sprout plants but no fruit should I remove them And I’m questioning wether I should bother with them at all I’m in Noosa Thanks Kerrie
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12 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In Qld's warmer climates you have a very small window to plant sprouts - Feb/March. Grow them into the winter cool months. They really are a cool weather crop.
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25 Aug 22, Terry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Ipswich in SEQ, and I planted a pair of brussel sprout plants in my Aquaponics this year. Sown seed in germination tray mid Feb. Transplanted to system after first set of true leaves appeared (can't remember when that was tbh probably mid to late March). 1 plant suffered nutrient deficiencies pretty severely, (strange though as both were in the same grow bed with same nutrient level) the other has only in the last week started growing some small nubs to sprouts.... Next time round I'm going to start germinating on or before Xmas day
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26 Sep 18, Kelvin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I planted in late May and now (early spring) the stems are 1-2 foot tall and small sprouts are forming but the tops are starting to flower. Should I leave them, pinch out the flowers or just pull out the whole plants?
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08 Oct 18, Sudhakar Jha (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Same with my plant, what to do?
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07 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If flowering the plant is coming to its end. Not enough fertiliser or the growing season is ending. It is a winter crop and for cool cold climates.
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14 Sep 18, Gerard O'Donnell (Australia - temperate climate)
I can't see anything here about feeding brussel sprouts. Can anyone direct me to the appropriate page on this website please?
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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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