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

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15 May 14, Theresa (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I planted my brussels sprout seeds in October of 2013. Here it is May 2014 and they are still as small as pencil erasers! Will they ever grow here?
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04 Nov 22, Deborah j Higgins (USA - Zone 9b climate)
did they mature? enough fertilizer and water? no Asian worms depleting the soil?
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Showing 41 - 42 of 42 comments
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planting time for Brussels sprouts depends on the variety and can be as early as Oct-Nov and as late as Feb. Good seed providers should state what month they should be planted. Look up an old book - Vegetable gardening in Australia by Norman de vaus. He has good advice and a good understanding of how to grow brussels sprouts. Finally some of the seed you are buying may not be well selected and may never give good spouts no matter what you do. Hybrid seed is one option if you are sick of failing at Brussels sprouts.

- Chris

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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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