How do you grow brussel sprouts

How to Grow Brussels Sprout Plants

Growing Brussels sprouts requires cool weather. They are a slow-growing, long-bearing crop that grows best in cooler regions, or in early spring or fall.

Growing Brussels sprouts requires cool weather. The ideal climate is the "fog belt" of the Pacific Northwest, but they will grow in just about any part of the country. A slow-growing, long-bearing crop, Brussels sprouts should be planted in early spring, or mid- to late summer for a crop that matures in the fall. The small heads mature best in cool and even in light frosty weather. Spring planting is also fine in cooler climates. Be aware that sprouts maturing in hot or dry weather will be flimsy and bitter. Brussels sprouts belong to the cole crop family (Brassica oleracea), which includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi.

Quick Guide to Growing Brussels Sprouts

Plant Brussels sprouts during the cool temperatures of early spring and early fall.
Brussels sprouts need room to spread out, so space them 18- 24 inches apart in an area that gets 6 or more hours of sun daily and has well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.8.
Before planting, improve native soil by mixing in several inches of compost or other rich organic matter.
Check soil moisture regularly and give plants 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly.
Encourage an abundant harvest by feeding Brussels sprouts regularly with a continuous-release plant food.
Lay down a 3-inch layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
Harvest when heads are firm and green. They should be 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

Soil, Planting, and Care

Like most vegetables, Brussels sprouts need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily; more is better. They like fertile, well-drained, moist soils with plenty of organic matter. The soil pH should be on the high side of the range for vegetables, about 6.8, for optimum growth and to discourage clubroot disease. To be sure about pH, get the soil tested. You can buy a test kit at a well-stocked garden center, or have a soil test done through your regional Cooperative Extension office. Apply fertilizer and lime using the results of the soil test as a guide. In the absence of a soil test, incorporate plenty of nitrogen-rich amendments (like blood meal, cottonseed meal, or composted manure) in the soil, or mix in aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose In-Ground Soil All Purpose In-Ground Soil to add nutrition and improve the texture of your native soil. For best results in your garden, though, don't stop at the soil. Growing plants need a steady supply of high-quality nutrition, too, so feed them regularly with a continuous-release fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, which feeds the beneficial microbes in the soil in addition to nourishing your plants. Be sure to follow all label directions.

Brussels sprouts also need more boron than most other vegetables. Boron is a plant nutrient used in minute quantities by all plants; without it, Brussels sprouts develop hollow stems and small buds. If your plants have shown these symptoms, you can add boron to the soil by dissolving 1 level tablespoon of borax (such as 20 Mule Team from the grocery shelf) in 5 quarts of water and sprinkling it evenly over 50 square feet of bed. DO NOT be tempted to mix more because too much causes problems. Also, do not apply unless your plants have shown the deficiency symptoms we just mentioned.

For your best chance at garden success, skip the seeds and start instead with strong, vigorous Bonnie Plants®. Set the young plants at the spacing noted on the label. Brussels sprouts get large, so they need to be about 18 to 24 inches apart in a row or bed. If planted in rows, space rows 30 inches apart to give yourself enough room to walk. Don't let seedlings sit around for long, dry out, or get stunted in their pack. Plant right away.

Water thoroughly after planting to encourage good growth, then mulch to keep the ground cool and moist. Water regularly, applying 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week if plants don't receive enough rain.

Troubleshooting

Insects that attack Brussels sprouts include harlequin bugs, cabbage loopers, diamondback moth, imported cabbageworm, cutworms, cabbage maggot, thrips, and webworms. Aphids can be especially difficult to control. Plants can also be bothered by powdery mildew and rust.

Harvest and Storage

Sprouts first form at the bottom of the plant and continue forming toward the top for several weeks. Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest when the tiny heads are firm, green, and 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Remove sprouts by twisting them until they break away from the plant. As you remove the lower sprouts, you can also remove yellowing leaves; the plant continues to grow upward, producing more leaves and sprouts. The plant will withstand frost and can be harvested until a hard freeze strikes. The best-quality sprouts are produced during sunny days with light frosts at night. As winter approaches, you can trick the sprouts into maturing all at once by cutting off the top of the plant about 3 weeks before you want to harvest. One full-sized, healthy plant can bear 2 to 3 pounds of sprouts. They come quickly at first but will slow down as the weather gets colder. Once a sprout is picked, new ones will not form in that spot. Full-grown sprouts keep well on the plant in cold weather, making them a great winter harvest item for gardeners in the South (planted in fall). In cold climates, gardeners often bury Brussels sprouts plants up to their tops in hay or leaves in late fall, then pull off the little sprouts as needed through winter.

Store fresh, unwashed sprouts in plastic bags in the refrigerator. Fresh sprouts taste best, though, so try to limit refrigeration to a day or two. And don't toss the leaves! Cook them as you would collards — they're delicious.

Brussels sprouts transplants look much like a cabbage, a close relative. As plants grow upward they form big leaves on long stems.

Buds form first near the bottom of the plant on the central stalk and continuing forming up to the top of the plant.Cutting away the leaves makes it easier to reach sprouts that are ready for harvest.You can encourage all the sprouts to form at once by cutting the top of the plant out once it reaches full size.

FAQs

Where do I look for the sprouts on the plant?

The sprouts are borne up and down the stem.

How can I get my sprouts to mature at the same time?

If you cut 6 inches off the top of the plant, then they will all be ready to harvest in three to six weeks.

Why do my sprouts form loose, not tight heads?

Sprouts that develop in hot weather (in spring or during a warm fall) often do not form compact heads.

How do I know when to pick sprouts?

Harvest sprouts when they measure 1 to 2 inches in diameter and are firm, like tiny cabbages. The ones at the bottom of the plant will mature first, but some gardeners cut the top out of the plant to encourage all the sprouts to mature at about the same time.

Why do my sprouts taste bitter?

Sprouts turn bitter when they have been left on the plant too long or if the weather is hot when they mature.

Brussels Sprouts Cole Crops Cool Season Gardening Fall Gardening Fertilizing Freeze Frost Gardening How-To Vegetables

How to Grow and Care for Brussels Sprouts

Although Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) date back to ancient Rome, they're named for the city of Brussels, Belgium, where they have been enjoyed for centuries. Part of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts look like mini cabbage heads. They form on thick stems, along with broad leaves. These leaves are also edible and can be prepared like other hardy greens.

Brussels sprouts are slow-growing biennials (though commonly grown as annuals) that require a long growing season. They are typically planted in the summer for a fall to winter harvest.

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Common Name	Brussels sprouts
Botanical Name	Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Family	Brassicaceae
Plant Type	Biennial, annual, vegetable
Size	2–3 ft. tall, 1 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Loamy, well-drained
Soil pH	Neutral
Bloom Time	Summer
Hardiness Zones	2–10 (USDA)
Native Area	Mediterranean

How to Plant Brussels Sprouts

When to Plant

Brussels sprouts require a growing season of 80 days or more, and they improve in flavor after being subjected to a light frost. In general, plant seeds approximately four months prior to your area's projected first fall frost date. That likely will mean in the early to mid-summer for areas with cold winters, giving you a fall to early winter harvest. Or in areas with mild winters, you'll typically plant in the mid to late summer for a mid to late winter harvest.

Selecting a Planting Site

Pick a spot that gets plenty of sun and has sharp soil drainage. A raised garden bed is ideal because it can better withstand temperature fluctuations. Container growth is also an option.

Keep Brussels sprouts away from strawberry plants, as strawberries can inhibit their growth. Likewise, don't place Brussels sprouts by members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, as sprouts can affect their growth.

Spacing, Depth, and Support

Plant seeds around a half inch deep and 3 inches apart. Then, seedlings should be thinned to around 18 to 24 inches apart once they reach roughly 6 inches tall. Support stakes are sometimes required to prevent the plants from toppling over as the sprouts develop, and it’s best to add those at the time of planting.

Brussels Sprouts Plant Care

Light

Brussels sprouts perform best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. Too much shade will slow the sprouts' maturity.

Soil

Brussels sprouts like a loamy, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter. It's ideal to mix a thick layer of compost into the soil prior to planting. The soil pH should hover around neutral.

Water

Keep the sprouts' soil moist but not soggy. Around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week should be sufficient. Inconsistent watering can result in poor sprout development. A layer of mulch can help to retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.

Temperature and Humidity

Brussels sprouts prefer temperatures between 45 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, though they can tolerate short spells below freezing. Humidity typically isn't an issue as long as their soil moisture needs are met and there's good air flow around the plants.

Fertilizer

Use an organic vegetable fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen starting once the seedlings reach around 6 inches tall. Reapply throughout the growing season, following label instructions.

Pollination

Brussels sprouts flower and go to seed in their second growing season. And because most people grow them as annuals, they don't get to this flowering stage. Insects and the wind assist in their pollination.

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Types of Brussels Sprouts

There are several Brussels sprouts varieties that vary in appearance, production, and more:

'Jade Cross' is a compact, high-yield plant that's good for windy locations and can withstand some hot weather.
'Long Island Improved' is another small but high-yield plant that stands up to wind and tolerates freezing.
'Oliver' takes around 80 to 90 days to mature, and it's known for its disease resistance.
'Falstaff' features sprouts with a reddish purple color.

Brussels Sprouts vs. Cabbage

Brussels sprouts may look like mini cabbages, and they’re both cool-weather crops. They even have a somewhat similar taste, though cabbage tends to be milder. However, the main difference is Brussels sprouts grow on the plant’s thick stems whereas cabbage heads grow from the ground.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts grow tall first and don't start producing sprouts until they reach almost full height. Each sprout grows in the leaf axil, or joint. Sprouts begin maturing from the bottom of the plant upward. Start harvesting when the lower sprouts reach about an inch in diameter. Pick them before they get too large and start cracking and turning bitter. Each plant yields approximately a quart of sprouts.

Pulling off the sprouts is easier if you remove the leaf below each sprout first. Then, twist and pull the sprout. Some people prefer to use pruners instead. After harvesting, a second crop of sprouts might begin to grow at the base of the stem. These won't be as tight as the first crop, but they are still edible.

You can store sprouts in the refrigerator for around five days. Don’t wash them until right before you plan to use them.

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts in Pots

If you don’t have a suitable garden site for a Brussels sprouts plant, container growth can be a good option. It will allow you to control the sunlight, water, and soil for your plant. Opt for a container that’s at least a foot wide and deep. It should have ample drainage holes. Unglazed clay is an ideal material because it will allow excess soil moisture to evaporate through its walls as well.

Pruning

Brussels sprouts generally don’t require pruning. However, you should promptly remove any damaged or diseased portions before they weaken the entire plant. You also can remove yellowed leaves to allow the plant to put its effort into sprout production.

Propagating Brussels Sprouts

Because most people grow Brussels sprouts as annuals, they won’t be able to collect seeds in the plant’s second year for propagation. However, it is possible to regrow Brussels sprouts from scraps. This is an easy way to get more from your harvest, especially if you can’t eat all the sprouts. The best time to start this process is in the early summer for planting outdoors. Here’s how:

Wash the sprout, and remove any dead leaves.
Cut the bottom off the sprout.
Position the cut piece with the stem side down so that it’s just submerged in a shallow dish of water. Do not fully submerge the sprout. Place the dish in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
Refresh the water daily. Also, remove any dead leaves.
Look for roots forming from the stem in around two weeks. Leaves also will begin to grow from the top. Once there is a substantial root system, the sprout should be ready for transplanting.

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts From Seed

Brussels sprouts seeds germinate best at temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. To start plants in containers, gently press the seeds into a moist seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and put the container in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Expect germination within about three weeks.

Potting and Repotting Brussels Sprouts

For container growth, use a loose organic vegetable potting mix. If you want, you can mix some compost into the soil to improve its drainage and nutrient content. Repotting shouldn't be necessary, as it's best to select a container that will accommodate the plant's mature size at the time of planting.

Overwintering

Because Brussels sprouts generally are grown as an annual, no overwintering will be necessary. Just make sure to plant early enough for your area to be able to harvest before frigid temperatures set in.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Brussels sprouts are prone to the same problems as other plants in the cabbage family. The most common pests are the cabbage looper, cabbageworm, cabbage root maggot, and aphid. Consider using row covers to protect your plants.

Several fungal diseases also can affect Brussels sprouts, including black rot, clubroot, downy mildew, and white mold. Adequate air circulation around the plants can help to prevent fungal issues. If plants become diseased, it’s usually best to destroy them.

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How to grow Brussels sprouts: sowing, picking, fertilizing

Brussels sprouts contain proteins, minerals, and the supply of vitamin C in this vegetable simply rolls over. But there is one “but” - the culture has a very long ripening period - it takes up to 6 months from sowing seeds to ripening. To get a vitamin harvest in the summer, it is worth considering the duration of cultivation of the crop and the climatic conditions of the region.

Brussels sprouts: varieties

There are three groups of cabbage varieties:

Early maturing - the crop is ready for harvest in 4 or 4.5 months.
Medium - the ripening of cabbage heads takes about 5-6 months.
Late - these varieties of cabbage will take 6 to 7.5 months to ripen.

Based on the timing of the ripening of the crop, it is necessary to properly plan the planting of Brussels sprout seeds for seedlings. Seedlings are planted in the ground at about 2 months of age. Weather conditions suitable for planting work in different regions fall on different months, in the south - in May, in the middle lane and in the northern regions - in June. nine0003

Planting early brussels sprouts outdoors in May at 2 months of age can expect crops to ripen in early August. And late varieties with this planting can be harvested in September. In some regions, a persistent cooling is already observed in September, late cabbage may not ripen, so the choice of varieties should be approached responsibly or grown in a greenhouse.

Brussels sprouts: seed preparation for planting

Brussels sprout seeds must be treated before planting - this operation will take almost 2 days. nine0003

Brussels sprout seed preparation operations for sowing	Description of actions
Seed treatment in hot water	For 20-30 minutes, the seeds are dipped in a bowl of hot water (temperature about +50C)
Cooling	Heated seeds are cooled in cool water for about 1-2 minutes
Soak in growth promoters	The seed material is soaked in a solution of Epin, Succinic acid, Zircon for 12 hours. It is better to do this in a closed container, and spread the seeds on cotton pads

After soaking in biostimulants, the seeds are placed for a day in a household refrigerator, where they are kept at a temperature of +3 + 5C. It turns out like a short stratification. nine0003

After finishing the preparatory procedures, the seeds are slightly dried, after which they start sowing.

Sowing seeds of Brussels sprouts

Cabbage seeds can be planted for seedlings in separate cups and boxes filled with nutrient soil. In any case, the container for planting must be durable, because seedlings are grown for 2 months before transplanting into open ground.

Prepare the soil yourself by mixing 1 part leaf humus; 1 part sand, 1 part peat. Leaf humus can be replaced with fertile soddy soil. It is useful to add to the bucket of the mixture:

Superphosphate - 1 tsp.
Wood ash - 3 to 4 tbsp. l.

Seeds are planted in individual cups, one at a time, in a common box, the distance between plants is kept at least 4 cm. The depth of placement is no more than 1.5 cm. After sowing, the soil in the boxes is carefully moistened.

Germination of seedlings is carried out in a room with good lighting, daytime temperature is about 16 degrees, at night it is reduced to + 5 + 6C.

Watering is carried out in doses, it is not recommended to flood seedlings too much and turn the soil into marsh slurry. nine0003

Top dressing of seedlings

During the growth of seedlings, fertilizer is applied under the root twice:

At stage 2 of the leaf, watering is carried out with a nutrient solution (40 g of superphosphate, 20 g of ammonium nitrate and 10 g of potassium sulfate are dissolved in 10 liters of water).
2 weeks after the first feeding - a solution is used for irrigation (superphosphate - 60 g is added to 10 liters of water; ammonium nitrate - 30 g; potassium sulfate - 20 g).

Outdoor planting

Brussels sprouts are planted in the ground at the 4-5 leaf stage. Approximately 2 weeks before this event, seedlings begin to harden. Boxes with seedlings are taken out into the open air. Do it in the middle of the day when it gets warmer. The first procedure lasts about 30 minutes, with each day the hardening time is increased. Seedlings that have stood for 2-3 days on the street are ready for transplanting to a permanent place in the garden.

Tip! Approximately 4-5 days before the scheduled transplantation of Brussels sprouts seedlings into the open ground, watering of the plants is stopped, and one hour before the start of work, the seedlings are watered abundantly. nine0003

For planting cabbage, choose a site that is as open as possible to the sun's rays, with fertile soil. It is very important to determine the acidity of the soil - cabbage gives excellent yields at a pH of 6.7-7.4.

Attention! Brussels sprouts must not be planted in areas where tomatoes, beets and all members of the Cruciferous family (radish, radish, all types of cabbage) have previously grown.

Work carried out in the evening or cloudy weather.

Seedlings are planted according to the scheme 60x60 cm. After completion of work, the plants are watered abundantly. nine0003

Caring for Brussels sprouts

Growing Brussels sprouts is no different from caring for white cabbage. The only difference is that this type of cabbage does not need to be spudded.

Otherwise: gentle loosening; watering about once a week; weed removal; inspection of plants for pests.

Adult plants are fed 2 times: 7 days after transplantation, the bushes are watered with a solution of nitrophoska - 5 liters per plant. The second top dressing is carried out at the stage of the appearance of heads of cabbage. nine0003

Author of the article: Oksana Artemenko

Published: December 18, 2020

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90,000 Planting, Growing and Care in open ground

Content: Content: Content:

Crop description
Growing Brussels sprouts from seeds
- When to sow Brussels sprouts for seedlings
- Growing seedlings
- Picking
Planting Brussels cabbage in open ground
- When to plant
- in what soil
- how to plant
How to grow Brussels cabbage
- Care
- Species and cultivars

Brussels sprouts are interesting not only for their small delicacy sprouts, but also for their attractive appearance: tall stalk and spreading wide leaves. The plant is suitable for cultivation throughout Russia. In this article, we will look at the main nuances of growing Brussels sprouts from sowing and caring for seedlings to harvest. nine0003

Crop description

Brussels sprouts are tolerant of short frosts and adverse weather conditions. This resistance is associated with a long growing season: from germination to harvest, depending on the variety, it takes up to 2.5 months. Each plant brings from 20 to 70 small heads of cabbage, with a total weight of 0.5 to 1 kg. Heads of cabbage develop in places of attachment to the stem of spreading fleshy leaves.

Growing Brussels sprouts from seed

Growing Brussels sprouts from seeds can only be afforded by residents of the warmest regions of our country - Crimea, Kuban and Sochi. In the Middle lane, in the Moscow region and in the north of the country, Brussels sprouts are always grown through seedlings.

When to sow Brussels sprouts for seedlings

Understanding the question of how to plant Brussels sprouts, you need to start by determining the sowing period. The best time is from mid-March to early April. Seedlings are grown either in a heated greenhouse or on a covered balcony. In the hot conditions of the apartment, the sprouts will be uncomfortable. Suitable temperature for seedlings: at night - from 0 to +5 degrees, during the day - about +15. nine0003

Growing seedlings

In containers with prepared soil, two seeds are placed, previously soaked overnight in a nutrient solution, and covered with a thin layer of earth. After that, they are left in a cold, bright place. If necessary, the plants are illuminated with phytolamps. Before the appearance of 2-3 true leaves on the seedlings, young Brussels sprouts are shaded from direct sunlight. Be sure to withstand the temperature regime: it is better cold than hot.

Seedlings are watered frequently, but little by little, avoiding extreme soil conditions - drought and overflow. nine0003

Picking

As soon as the first true leaves appear on the sprouts, they are picked in separate containers. At this stage, experienced gardeners recommend paying attention to the length of the roots. If the central root is long, then pinch it to the level of the rest. As a result of this event, it is possible to obtain a well-branched root system and, as a result, a stronger plant that is resistant to any external influences.

Planting Brussels sprouts outdoors

In this section you will learn all about planting Brussels sprouts and how to grow them outdoors.

When to plant

Brussels sprouts are planted in the country during the last weeks of April and on May holidays. It is risky to plant earlier: the plant, although cold-loving, can still freeze. If planted later, you can not wait until the fall for the harvest, as the sprouts form and ripen slowly.

In what soil

How to grow Brussels sprouts in the garden to be the envy of all neighbors? Start by preparing the soil. Any plant grows well on fertile land, and the heroine of our article is no exception. Since autumn, it is important to fertilize the earth abundantly with manure and dig it up. In the spring, five to seven days before planting seedlings, dig the site again, feed with complex mineral fertilizers, and also spill it with a solution of potassium permanganate. nine0003

How to plant

Moving seedlings outdoors is a very important step in growing and caring for Brussels sprouts. In order not to make mistakes, use our instructions:

Water the seedlings abundantly the day before planting on the beds.
Dig holes slightly larger in diameter and depth than the cabbage pot, 60 x 60 cm apart.
Add chalk, humus or other fertilizer to the wells.
Place the plants in the holes up to the leaves, lay the soil firmly on the roots. Water. nine0010
Surround the plants with polyethylene to protect them from the cabbage fly.
The day after planting, sprinkle the cabbage beds with a mixture of lime, ash and tobacco dust to repel insects.

How to grow Brussels sprouts

The cultivation of Brussels sprouts is not much different from the care of other types of cabbage. However, there is one important feature, the knowledge of which will give you a hundred points ahead in the question of how to properly grow Brussels sprouts. nine0003

It consists in the fact that a month before the harvest, the stem of the plant is shortened, and all the leaves are cut off so that moisture and useful substances go to the heads of cabbage. Thus, in a month you will achieve a significant increase in their size and yield.

Care

Brussels sprouts love comfortable conditions: regular watering, weeding and loosening of the soil, protection from diseases and insects. She does not need hilling, on the contrary, it can even harm her, because it causes rotting of the lower heads. Otherwise, caring for Brussels sprouts is no different from caring for any other plant. Therefore, even a beginner can grow it. nine0003

Watering

Looking at the photo of Brussels sprouts, you can understand that this plant loves water very much. Fleshy wide leaves, elastic heads, a powerful stem - all this requires significant volumes of liquid, especially during the ripening period. The consumption for watering one bush normally reaches 4 liters of warm water per m2 during the period of growth and flowering, as well as up to 5 liters per m2 during the ripening period.

Top dressing

How to grow Brussels sprouts in the open field, if the soil on your site is far from black soil? Take care to prepare the soil even before planting cabbage, as well as regular feeding of plants with nutrient solutions. For good results, experienced gardeners advise using nitrophoska and nitroammophoska during the growth and flowering of cabbage. nine0003

Pests and diseases

Leaves and stems should be regularly inspected to protect the crop from pests. When eggs are found, the masonry is destroyed, and the plants are sprayed with a solution of Bitoxibacillin.