Growing Brussels sprouts

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S                     S
T T                    

(Best months for growing Brussels sprouts in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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
  • Mature brussels sprouts
  • Young plant (CC BY-SA 3.0 WikiMedia)

Grown for its small (typically 2.5 cm diameter) leafy green buds, which resemble miniature cabbages.

Suited to growing in cooler climates.

Brussel Sprouts will not grow good "sprouts" in warm areas - they open and are floppy.

In warm areas they are likely to become infested with aphids. Pick formed sprouts from the bottom of the stems leaving the plant growing. For winter use in very cold areas, dig up plants that have heads developed and set close together in a cold frame or cellar. Pack soil firmly round the roots. Keep cool but not freezing and they will continue to mature. (Planning an Idaho Vegetable Garden: Educational Communication online Publishing Catalog Gardening www. cals.uidaho.edu/ edComm/catalog.asp.)

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Brussels sprouts

Remove any discoloured outer leaves.
Cut in half and steam with other vegetables.
Do not overcook as that produces the distinctive smell that puts people off eating Brussels sprouts!
They go well with a chopped tomato and onion mix.
Traditionally served with roasted chestnuts for Xmas dinner in UK.

Your comments and tips

31 Dec 22, Michael (New Zealand - temperate climate)
When is the best month to plant young Brussel sprouts plants so they mature in the colder weather?I am in Auckland
21 Dec 22, Karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We have had Brussels sprouts growing in the community garden, would be better to plant them in cooler months or plant them just before the cooler months so we can harvest them. Brassicaceae same as cabbage and Broccoli, cauliflower to avoid the cabbage moth from eating the leaves? we don't like to use chemical sprays. All natural.
16 Nov 22, brian hoare (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When is a good time to grow brussels sprouts in cool climate from seeds to avoid hot weather?
17 Nov 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check the planting guide here for your climate zone.
04 Jan 22, Grant (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Grew brussel sprouts for the first time in Blenheim. Was impressed with the size of the plants. But, when I took the sprouts off they were full of a white powdery substance. When I shook the plants, white fly came off them. Is there any hope for my sprouts? Some of them are still developing .
07 Jan 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Research an organic spray for white fly. Or a chemical one.
17 Dec 21, Joanne (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
My plants are tall and healthy but have no sprouts on them?
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
18 Dec 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Brussels sprouts are a cool/climate crop. If your temperatures go down below about 6-8 a fair bit in winter then you would plant seeds early autumn and seedlings mid/late autumn.
20 Apr 20, DiA (New Zealand - temperate climate)
My Brussel Sprouts cuttings are sprouting now. Where and how best to transfer them to pkant where they best wiuld thrive, in the garden or in separate trays ? I guess with quarantine mesh in both cases?
Showing 1 - 10 of 110 comments

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.

- Mike

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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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