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 S              
        T T            

(Best months for growing Brussels sprouts in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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 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
  • 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

30 Jan 24, Greg (USA - Zone 7a climate)
It says to avoid growing close to tomatoes. What does "close" mean? 3 ft, 5 ft, 10 ft, 20 ft????? thanks for the help, Greg
01 Feb 24, (USA - Zone 4a climate)
3' or so.
22 Dec 23, zach (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Growing sprouts in 8b. im having the issue of them not bunching up and just getting open leaves even though we've had pretty cold weather. any thoughts?
19 Oct 23, Ann Spaid (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Seed was planted in June. When should Brussels sprouts be harvested in zone 7?
10 Sep 23, Janna Wallace (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I’m planting Brussel sprouts now from seed in zone 8B for the first time, any suggestions?
14 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Plant in Feb as the guide says.
31 May 24, Christa (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I am in Zone 8b and planted nursery plants in February but they have not produced sprouts and it is probably too hot for them to now.
26 Apr 23, Lynda (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I am a first time gardener with brussels sprouts. I live in zone 8B in Texas. We are at the end of April and the Google play said I can still direct sow the seeds and get a crop. Is this true?
08 May 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plant now. It's worth a try.
17 Mar 23, Adrian (New Zealand - temperate climate)
What is the best defence against White Butterfly ?
Showing 1 - 10 of 197 comments

In England we used to buy brussel tops,and spring greens whitch were yummy, never seen them here, any comments or suggestions are they the product of brussels as the name suggests? I'm trying to grow brussels but not game to eat tops in case toxic.would love to hear from someone who knows,or had them in uk

- mo power

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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. GardenGrow 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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