How to Grow Brussel Sprouts: A Complete Guide with Planting, Care and Harvesting Tips

A Complete Guide to Growing Brussel Sprouts: Images, Tips and Varieties

Brussel sprouts are a tasty and nutrient-dense vegetable that can thrive in home gardens with the right care and growing conditions. If you're considering planting brussel sprouts, this comprehensive guide will provide helpful information, planting tips, and images to help ensure a bountiful harvest.

Brussel Sprout Plant Overview

Brussel sprouts are a member of the Brassicaceae family along with cabbage, kale and broccoli. They grow on stalks sprouting from the stem in a spiral formation with sizes ranging from a 1/2 inch to over 2 inches in diameter.

The plants can reach 1-3 feet tall and do best in cool weather. Most varieties mature in 90-180 days with a peak harvest period in fall though early spring crops are also possible in some climates.

Brussel Sprout Growing Conditions

Because brussel sprouts prefer cool temperatures, they grow best in northern climates or during fall/winter seasons in southern regions. Ideal growing conditions include:

• Sunlight: Full sun is required, at least 6 hours per day.
• Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8.
• Temperature: Thrive in cool 60-75F weather.
• Water: Consistent moisture, about 1-1.5 inches per week.

Choosing a Variety

Some top brussel sprout varieties to consider include:

Long Island Improved

A heirloom variety that produces sprouts up to 2 inches wide. Has good cold tolerance and resists cracking. Matures in 100 days.

Jade Cross E Hybrid

A popular hybrid variety that yields sprouts up to 1.5 inches across. Forms compact plants great for small spaces. Matures in 85 days.

Prince Marvel

An early hybrid variety ready in just 75 days. Produces uniform 1 inch sprouts perfect for freezing. Tasty, sweet flavor.

Dagan

A highly productive variety that thrives in colder northern regions. Produces sprouts up to 1.5 inches wide. Matures in 90 days.

Oliver

A dwarf variety ideal for containers reaching just 24 inches tall. Cold hardy and early maturing in 75-80 days. Tasty 1 inch sprouts.

How to Plant

Brussel sprouts can be grown from seed or transplants:

Seeds

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost. Plant seeds 14 inch deep in seed starting mix. Gradually harden off plants before transplanting outside.

Seedlings

Look for stocky, green plants around 4-6 inches tall. Carefully remove from containers before transplanting. Handle by leaves instead of stems.

Planting Outside

Wait until after your last spring frost date. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart. Plant at the same depth as containers with lower leaves just above soil.

Fertilize with compost or well-aged manure by mixing into soil before planting. Water transplants well and provide shade if transplanting during hot weather.

Caring for Brussel Sprout Plants

Proper care is vital for vigorous brussel sprout plants and maximum harvests. Here are key growing tips:

Watering

Provide consistent moisture throughout growth, especially during head formation. About 1-1 1/2 inches per week is ideal. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to target the roots.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer once 3-4 weeks after transplanting and again 3 weeks before harvest begins. Side dress plants with compost or manure every 3-4 weeks.

Pruning

Remove the first set of leaves at the base when sprouts form. Continually remove lower leaves as the plant grows to encourage air circulation and prevent disease.

Support

Add stakes or trellising when plants reach 12-15 inches tall. This prevents toppling and allows even sunlight penetration.

Weeding

Mulch around plants to reduce weeds. Hand pull weeds taking care not to disturb roots. Weed control is key for productive plants.

Pests

Cabbage worms, aphids, slugs and flea beetles can damage plants. Row covers prevent most pests. Hand pick larger pests. Use organic sprays as a last resort.

Diseases

Rotate planting sites to reduce disease. Avoid wetting foliage and provide good air circulation. Remove diseased leaves immediately. Control insects which spread diseases.

When to Harvest

Harvest when sprouts reach desired size, typically 1-2 inches wide. Size is a personal preference. The lowest mature sprouts ripen first. Harvest every 2-3 days, twisting off sprouts by hand.

Use pruners for larger stalks. Harvest before temperatures drop below 20F when plants will no longer produce. 6-12 sprouts form per stalk over 6-8 weeks.

Storing the Harvest

Freshly harvested brussel sprouts will keep in refrigerator for 3-5 weeks. For long term storage, prep and freeze:

1. Remove outer leaves and trim stem ends
2. Soak in salt water for 30 minutes to remove insects
3. Blanch in boiling water for 3-5 minutes
4. Chill sprouts in ice bath
5. Drain, dry and seal in freezer bags

Properly frozen, brussel sprouts will keep for up to one year.

Container Growing

Dwarf and mini brussel sprout varieties can be grown successfully in containers. Choose at least a 15 inch diameter container with drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix and provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Fertilize weekly with liquid fertilizer once sprouts form. Move container-grown plants indoors or under cover if hard freezes are expected.

Common Problems

Watch out for these potential problems while growing brussel sprouts:

Too Much Heat

Brussel sprouts stop growing above 80F. Ensure plants mature during cooler fall temperatures.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Insufficient nitrogen causes yellowing leaves. Lack of calcium causes dying leaf margins. Fertilize according to soil test recommendations.

Drought Stress

Inconsistent watering causes bitter, loose sprouts. Water 1-1 1/2 inches per week for best results.

Cabbage Loopers

These hungry green worms chew holes in leaves. Hand pick off plants or apply Bacillus thuringiensis as needed.

Club Root

This fungal disease stunts roots and causes wilting. Solarize soil before planting to destroy spores.

Flea Beetles

Small black beetles chew tiny holes in leaves. Use floating row covers at planting to exclude the pests.

Companion Planting

Certain companion plants can benefit brussel sprouts when planted nearby:

Carrots & Radishes

These root crops deter carrot root flies and cabbage maggots. Interplant with brussel sprout transplants.

Garlic & Onions

The strong scent helps mask brussel sprouts from pests. Plant garlic and onion sets around the perimeter.

Marigolds

Marigolds repel aphids, beetles and other Brassica pests. Interplant sparingly with sprouts.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums trap aphids and cabbage moths. Plant around the border edges.

Thyme & Sage

These herbs repel cabbage worms. Plant near sprouts or use as border plants.

The Many Benefits of Brussel Sprouts

Beyond their delicious flavor, brussel sprouts offer many nutritional benefits:

Nutrient Rich

Brussel sprouts are high in vitamins C and K along with folate, manganese, fiber, potassium and more.

Cancer Fighting

Their high antioxidant content may help protect against cancer by eliminating free radicals.

Supports Detoxification

Sulfur-containing compounds support the liver's detoxification processes.

Boosts Immunity

The high vitamin C content stimulates white blood cell production for increased immune response.

Heart Health

Folate helps reduce heart disease risk factors while potassium supports healthy blood pressure.

Aids Digestion

Fiber aids digestion while helping feed beneficial gut bacteria.

Brussel Sprouts Are a Worthwhile Crop

When grown in the right conditions, brussel sprouts are a rewarding fall vegetable crop for any garden. Now that you know how to plant, grow, troubleshoot and harvest brussel sprouts, you can embark on growing this healthy crop. Just be prepared to enjoy lots of tasty brussel sprouts!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.