Brussels Sprouts | Center for Crop Diversification (2024)

FAQs

What not to plant next to Brussels sprouts? ›

Tomatoes and other nightshades, like eggplants, need a lot of nutrients to grow. Brussels sprouts are also heavy feeders, so two should not be planted next to each other as they will compete for the same nutrients.

Harvest and storage

As the leaves begin to turn a little yellow, break them off, leaving about a 2-inch stalk. This will give the sprouts more room to develop. Harvest brussels sprouts when the heads are firm and 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Each plant yields between 60 and 100 sprouts.

Apply ½ cup per 10 feet of row of nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) at 4 and 8 weeks after transplanting or thinning to encourage vigorous plant growth. Avoid applying additional nitrogen after sprouts begin to form. High nitrogen levels cause loose sprouts and splitting to occur.

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.

Onions and Garlic:

These pungent alliums are great companions for Brussels sprouts. Garlic and onions have strong scents are effective in deterring common pests like aphids and some beetles. Plus, they occupy a different space in the garden bed, ensuring efficient use of space.

Although a healthy vegetable, consuming too many Brussels sprouts can be unsuitable for people on anticoagulants since it contains vitamin K, which results in blood clotting. Another issue with consuming Brussels sprouts excessively is that it can lead to gas and bloating.

Brussels sprouts thrive in full sun, and in rich, consistently moist soil. Because Brussels sprouts and other plants in the cabbage family (such as kale, collards, or broccoli) are susceptible to such a wide range of soil-borne diseases, it's a good idea to rotate among various areas of the garden each season.

Keep them picked and they'll grow more! Harvest sprouts in the home garden after the first or second frost, taking just those sprouts which are big enough, starting from the bottom up. Continue harvesting for as long as you can find more to pick, which might even be well into snow season.

Brussels sprouts last for about one week in the fridge or 1 year in the freezer. If freezing, be sure to blanch the Brussels sprouts first. Rotten Brussels sprouts will have brown or yellow spots or be soft to the touch.

I never thought a plant that made a vegetable so disliked could look so beautiful. So do brussel sprouts like coffee grounds? You Bet they do!

How hot is too hot for Brussels sprouts? ›

Growth Stages and Temperature Needs

During germination, Brussels sprouts demand a steady coolness, ideally around 65°F. As they transition to vegetative growth, they're flexible within the cool spectrum but keep it below 75°F to avoid a growth stunt.

Sow seeds from early March to May, into prepared ground (see above), under cloches or fleece if the weather is still cold. Brussels are traditionally sown in a separate 'seedbed', rather than in the main veg plot, then transplanted in early summer, once more space becomes available.

Fortunately, Brussels sprouts are very cold hardy and withstand freezes down to 20 °F with no damage at all. As a result, they can produce all winter most years in SC. While they are challenging to grow, harvesting fresh, nutritious Brussels sprouts on a cold winter's day is worth the effort!

Brussels sprouts are frost and freeze tolerant to 20°F. Lima bean harvest is minimally affected after a light frost.

Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts have a longer growing season than zucchini and require cooler temperatures to thrive, while zucchini prefer warmer temperatures. Additionally, Brussels sprouts can be susceptible to some pests, such as aphids, cabbage moths and cabbage worms, which may also attack zucchini plants.

Kalettes look like a miniature ornamental kale but grow similar to Brussels sprouts. “Kalettes will produce the best when planted in fertile soils with pH 6.5-7.5. The crop should be well-fertilized and irrigated in dry weather.

Aromatic Brussels sprout plant companions can help to ward off these pests and even attract beneficial insects, like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Some of these aromatic plants are pleasantly scented, such as basil and mint.