If you’ve never had homegrown Brussels sprouts, you’re in for a real treat when you grow them yourself! These mini cabbage-like veggies develop a rich, nutty flavor when harvested at just the right time—especially after a light frost. But Brussels sprouts require patience, as they take longer to mature than many garden vegetables. With the right conditions and a little TLC, you can enjoy a steady supply of homegrown sprouts perfect for roasting, sautéing, or even tossing into a salad. Ready to learn how to grow Brussels sprouts like a pro? Let’s get started!
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How to Plant Brussel Sprouts
Choose the right variety: Look for a Brussels sprouts variety that is suited for your climate and has a relatively long growing season. Some popular varieties include Long Island Improved, Jade Cross, and Diablo.
Prepare the soil: Brussels sprouts prefer fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, and loosening it to a depth of at least 12 inches.
Start seeds indoors: Start your Brussels sprouts seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant the seeds in small pots filled with a high-quality potting mix, keeping the soil moist and warm (around 70-75°F) until the seeds germinate.
Transplant seedlings: Once the seedlings are around 4-6 weeks old and have developed their second set of leaves, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 18-24 inches apart.
Provide proper care: Brussels sprouts require consistent moisture and regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
Manage pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids and cabbage worms, and remove them by hand or with an organic insecticide. To prevent diseases, avoid planting Brussels sprouts in the same spot for consecutive years and keep the garden free of debris.
Harvest Brussels sprouts: Harvest the Brussels sprouts when they are firm and about 1-2 inches in diameter. Start at the bottom of the plant and work your way up, cutting the sprouts off the stem with a sharp knife.
Common Problems When Growing Brussel Sprouts
Pests: Aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles can all be problematic for Brussels sprouts. These pests can damage the leaves and stunt growth. To manage pests, hand-pick them off the plants or use an organic insecticide.
Diseases: Fungal diseases, such as clubroot and black rot, can affect Brussels sprouts, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To prevent diseases, avoid planting Brussels sprouts in the same spot for consecutive years and keep the garden free of debris.
Nutrient deficiencies: Brussels sprouts require regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer to thrive. A lack of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To prevent nutrient deficiencies, fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
Bolting: Brussels sprouts can sometimes bolt, or prematurely produce flowers, when exposed to stress, such as high temperatures or lack of water. To prevent bolting, keep the soil consistently moist and provide shade during hot weather.
Small heads: If the Brussels sprouts heads are small or loose, it may be due to improper spacing or inadequate fertilization. To promote larger heads, space plants at least 18-24 inches apart and fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
Companion Planting for Brussel Sprouts
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are great companion plants for Brussels sprouts, as they can repel aphids and other pests with their pungent scent. They also help to improve soil fertility and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Dill: Dill is another great companion plant for Brussels sprouts, as it can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on pest insects. It can also improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts.
Chamomile: Chamomile is a great companion plant for Brussels sprouts, as it can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects. It can also improve soil fertility and make a great tea for humans.
Beans: Beans can help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit Brussels sprouts by improving soil fertility. They can also provide shade and support for the Brussels sprout plants.
Lettuce: Lettuce is a good companion plant for Brussels sprouts, as it can provide shade for the plants and help to conserve soil moisture. It can also help to deter pest insects.
Harvesting and Storing Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are usually ready to harvest when the sprouts are firm and about 1-2 inches in diameter. The sprouts will typically grow along the stem from the bottom up, so you can harvest them from the bottom of the stem as they mature.
To harvest Brussels sprouts, simply twist or cut the sprout off of the stem using a sharp knife or pruning shears. You can also remove any yellowed or damaged leaves from the plant while you are harvesting.
Once harvested, you can store Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To store, wrap the sprouts in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Alternatively, you can blanch and freeze the Brussels sprouts for longer-term storage.
To blanch and freeze Brussels sprouts, first wash and trim the sprouts, removing any damaged or discolored leaves. Then, blanch the sprouts in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, depending on their size.
Drain and cool the sprouts, then pack them into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label and date the bags, then store them in the freezer for up to a year.
How to Save Brussel Sprouts Seeds
To save seeds for Brussels sprouts, first choose a healthy and vigorous plant that has produced well-formed and disease-free sprouts. Allow the sprouts to mature and develop until they have turned brown and the leaves have withered.
Cut the stem of the plant, leaving about a foot of stem attached to the sprouts. Hang the plant upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks until the sprouts have dried completely.
Once the sprouts are dry, gently rub them to remove the seeds, and then sift the seeds to remove any remaining plant material. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, labeled with the variety and date of harvest.
It’s important to note that Brussels sprouts are biennial, which means they produce seeds in their second year of growth. To ensure that the plants will produce viable seeds, you will need to overwinter the plants by mulching them heavily and protecting them from frost, or by storing the plants in a cool, dark place until the following spring.
Best Varieties for Beginner Gardeners
There are several Brussels sprouts varieties that are well-suited for beginner gardeners. These varieties are generally easy to grow, disease-resistant, and can produce a good yield of flavorful sprouts. Here are a few recommended varieties for beginner gardeners:
- Long Island Improved: This variety is known for its excellent flavor and is a reliable producer of large, firm sprouts. It is also resistant to many common diseases.
- Diablo: This variety is relatively fast-growing and can produce a good yield of small to medium-sized sprouts. It is also disease-resistant and has a mild, sweet flavor.
- Jade Cross: This variety is a favorite among home gardeners, as it is easy to grow, disease-resistant, and can produce a good yield of medium-sized sprouts with a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Gustus: This variety is a relatively new hybrid that is well-suited for home gardens. It produces medium-sized sprouts with a sweet, nutty flavor and is resistant to many common diseases.
Start Growing Brussel Sprouts in Your Home Garden
Now that you know how to grow Brussels sprouts, you’re on your way to harvesting a delicious, nutrient-packed crop straight from your backyard. With their long growing season and cool-weather preference, Brussels sprouts are a perfect addition to a fall or winter garden. Give them the right care, watch them develop from tiny sprouts to full-sized, flavorful gems, and get ready to impress your family with homegrown goodness.
Become More Self-Sufficient This Year
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