How to grow Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts belong to the Brassica oleracea family, which is the same family as cabbage. They are rich in vitamins A, B and C and contain plenty of minerals such as iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and sulphur.
Brussels require a long period of growth in order to fully mature and produce a good yield. Early varieties can be sown indoors or under warmth outside from mid-March to early April and transplanted outside in May for a harvest from September - November. Later varieties are sown in April and transplanted in June for a harvest between December and March.
Brussels require a long period of growth in order to fully mature and produce a good yield. Early varieties can be sown indoors or under warmth outside from mid-March to early April and transplanted outside in May for a harvest from September - November. Later varieties are sown in April and transplanted in June for a harvest between December and March.
Soil conditions for growing Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts can be grown in more or less any type of soil, yet this crop prefers a firm, heavy soil with a pH of 6.5 or more that is rich in nutrients and fertile.
Do not plant Brussels sprouts in beds where other Brassicas have been cultivated in the previous 2 years at least.
Other Brassicas include cabbage, turnip, radish, swede, broccoli or kale. In doing so, the Brussels sprouts may be prone to disease or cabbage rot that has accumulated in the soil.
Do not plant Brussels sprouts in beds where other Brassicas have been cultivated in the previous 2 years at least.
Other Brassicas include cabbage, turnip, radish, swede, broccoli or kale. In doing so, the Brussels sprouts may be prone to disease or cabbage rot that has accumulated in the soil.
Climate conditions for growing Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts grow well in a cooler climate. Although they must be planted outside once the frosts have disappeared, a period of slight frost is also essential for a superior quality of vegetable.
The seedlings will germinate if temperatures are over 10°C (50°F) and the sprouts themselves grow best when temperatures are between 15°C - 18°C (60 - 65°F) and up to a maximum of 24°C (75°F).
Plant the seedlings in full sun or partial shade, but note that if temperatures are too high, the sprouts will open up and lose much of their firmness and flavour. For this reason, partial shade is almost always better.
The seedlings will germinate if temperatures are over 10°C (50°F) and the sprouts themselves grow best when temperatures are between 15°C - 18°C (60 - 65°F) and up to a maximum of 24°C (75°F).
Plant the seedlings in full sun or partial shade, but note that if temperatures are too high, the sprouts will open up and lose much of their firmness and flavour. For this reason, partial shade is almost always better.
Soil preparation
Prepare the soil as early as possible in the autumn or winter in order for the soil to absorb all of the nutrients, firm up and then settle.
Dig the earth to a depth of about 3ft and add plenty of well-rotted compost or manure. Brassicas love lots of nitrogen and humus, so don't be shy with the amount of manure or compost used.
A week or so before planting the seedlings, rake the area, and ensure that it is level. Apply a general fertiliser and firm down the soil.
Dig the earth to a depth of about 3ft and add plenty of well-rotted compost or manure. Brassicas love lots of nitrogen and humus, so don't be shy with the amount of manure or compost used.
A week or so before planting the seedlings, rake the area, and ensure that it is level. Apply a general fertiliser and firm down the soil.
Sowing the Brussels sprouts seeds
For the best results, Brussels are usually planted in seed beds in a controlled environment in March or April before being transplanted outside a month or so later. This enables the sprout plants to develop a healthy root system and a sturdier stem. If a seed box in unavailable, a container filled with plenty of compost will suffice.
Sow the seeds at a depth of approximately 1cm (1/2 inch) deep and 10cm (4 inch) apart. Cover the seeds with soil, pat down and water. The seeds should be sown thinly in order to avoid overcrowding, which will weaken the plants.
The seeds may alternatively be sown outside under a cloche at the same time of year and transplanted to their final site once the frosts have disappeared and the seedlings reach a certain height.
Sow the seeds at a depth of approximately 1cm (1/2 inch) deep and 10cm (4 inch) apart. Cover the seeds with soil, pat down and water. The seeds should be sown thinly in order to avoid overcrowding, which will weaken the plants.
The seeds may alternatively be sown outside under a cloche at the same time of year and transplanted to their final site once the frosts have disappeared and the seedlings reach a certain height.
Thinning the seedlings
Once the seedlings reach a height of 2.5cm (1 inch) they should be thinned out, always removing the weaker seedlings, to a distance of 7.5cm (3 inch).
Transplanting the seedlings
The Brussels sprouts seedlings will then be planted outside, probably around May or June time, once they have reached a height of 7cm (5 inch) or thereabout.
Make sure that the final planting site for the Brussels has been prepared in advance as above, and ensure that it is an open spot with plenty of sunlight but that is sheltered from strong winds. The plants grow to become top-heavy and could blow over in windy conditions.
Water the ground the day before and then plant the Brussels sprouts seedlings in rows that are 75 - 85cm (30 - 35 inch) apart at a distance of 60cm or 2ft. Firm down the soil around the plants and water well.
Make sure that the final planting site for the Brussels has been prepared in advance as above, and ensure that it is an open spot with plenty of sunlight but that is sheltered from strong winds. The plants grow to become top-heavy and could blow over in windy conditions.
Water the ground the day before and then plant the Brussels sprouts seedlings in rows that are 75 - 85cm (30 - 35 inch) apart at a distance of 60cm or 2ft. Firm down the soil around the plants and water well.
Caring for the Brussels sprouts plants
The Brussels sprouts plants must be watered well, especially in the dry season, and weeds should be kept to a minimum. This can be achieved by mulching around the plants with well-rotted compost and by removing all weeds by hand so that the roots of the plant are not disturbed - this is extremely important.
Apply a general fertiliser twice a year, once when the plants reach a height of around 30cm (12 inch), and again a month before harvesting begins.
Apply a general fertiliser twice a year, once when the plants reach a height of around 30cm (12 inch), and again a month before harvesting begins.
Harvesting the Brussels sprouts
The Brussels sprouts will be ready to harvest after about 30 weeks from sowing and from September or October onwards.
Start at the base of each plant and pick or cut the lower Brussels from the stem. Be sure to only remove a few Brussels from each plant at a time and gradually work your upwards, until there are no sprouts left. Remove and discard any "blown" or open sprouts, as well as any yellowing leaves situated at the base of the plant.
Once all the sprouts have been removed you will be left with the leafy tops, which can also be eaten and are cooked as other leafy greens.
Brussels may be frozen until required or they can be stored in a cool and dark space.
Start at the base of each plant and pick or cut the lower Brussels from the stem. Be sure to only remove a few Brussels from each plant at a time and gradually work your upwards, until there are no sprouts left. Remove and discard any "blown" or open sprouts, as well as any yellowing leaves situated at the base of the plant.
Once all the sprouts have been removed you will be left with the leafy tops, which can also be eaten and are cooked as other leafy greens.
Brussels may be frozen until required or they can be stored in a cool and dark space.
