Brussels Sprout
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard)
- Season: Cool
- Ease of growing: Moderate
- Nutrient needs: High
- Water needs: Moderate
- Common propagation: Transplant
Seed facts
- Germination temperature: 45°F to 85°F
- Germination time: 4 to 20 days
- Viability: 3 to 10 years
Transplants
- Weeks to grow transplants: 4 to 6
- Start: April to May
- Plant out: mid-May to mid-June
Planning facts
- Typical spacing: 18” x 30”
- Square foot per plant: 2
- Time to harvest: 90 to 110 days fromtransplants
General
The brussels sprout plant is distinctive in thatit produces little green or red mini-cabbagesin the leaf axils of the stem. This plant, likekohlrabi, is among very few new vegetables – itwas unknown until about 400 or 500 years ago.It developed in the vicinity of Brussels, Belgium,where it gets its name.
Variety selection
Relatively few varieties are available frommost seed catalogs. Use faster maturing varietiessuch as Oliver (90 days from transplanting) if you are late getting plants going.
Preparation and planting
The best tasting brussels sprouts are grownin fertile soil, with plenty of irrigation, andharvested after fall frosts. Brussels sprouts inMichigan are usually grown from transplantsset out in mid-summer. They are hardy, andcan often be harvested well into December.As with its close relative – broccoli – cold falltemperatures result in a milder, sweeter flavor.This plant requires relatively high levels ofpotassium, so it’s advisable to run a soil test.
Care
See the broccoli tip sheet. It is recommendedthat the terminal bud be pinched in earlySeptember so that no more sprouts form,allowing existing sprouts to develop. Hotweather will give strong flavored, loose sprouts.
Major pests
Insects: Aphids, flea-beetles, cabbagemaggots, imported cabbage worm, cabbageloopers, diamondback moth.
Diseases: Black rot, downy mildew, alternaria.
Harvest and storage
As the season progresses, the sprouts beginto form on the lower portion of the plant first. Asthe leaves begin to turn a little yellow, break themoff, leaving about a 2-inch stalk. This will give thesprouts more room to develop. Harvest brusselssprouts when the heads are firm and 1 to 2 inchesin diameter. Each plant yields between 60 and 100sprouts. The leaves are also edible with a kale-likeflavor, and can be harvested after maturation.
Developed by James Manning, Undergraduate Research Assistant, and Daniel Brainard, Vegetable Extension Specialist; MSU Department of Horticulture; Gary Heilig, MSU Extension educator.
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.
FAQs
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.
What is the secret to growing brussel sprouts? ›
Brussels sprouts are cool season vegetables that prefer a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep.
Should I cut the tops off my Brussel sprout plants? ›
Two or three additional leaves can be removed each week, but several of the largest, healthiest, fully expanded upper leaves should always be left intact on top to continue feeding the plant. Another practice is topping, or cuttiing off the growing tip of the plant when the sprouts are present but immature.
How to get Brussels sprouts to grow bigger? ›
Regular water is the key to big Brussels sprout harvests. If the soil gets too dry, the sprouts will shrivel and not develop fully. Check the soil regularly and water when the top inch is dry.
What is the best fertilizer for brussel sprouts? ›
Aim for a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, but try not to go overboard. Too much nitrogen will result in a lot of leafy growth and not enough sprouts developing along the stem. A 10-20-10 or 13-13-13 will work. For organic options with lower NPK, go for a 5-5-5 or a 5-7-5 and apply about every two weeks.
How many brussel sprouts will I get from one plant? ›
One full-sized, healthy plant can bear 2 to 3 pounds of sprouts.
Can you grow Brussels sprouts in a 5 gallon bucket? ›
Potting and Repotting Brussels Sprouts
A single plant needs at least a 12-inch wide and 12-inch deep container with several drainage holes. A 5-gallon container, like a paint bucket, holds two plants. Fill the containers with well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Move the containers to sunny areas as needed.
Should you cover brussel sprouts when growing? ›
Brussels sprouts need protection from pests such as cabbage butterflies and pigeons, so are best covered with fine-mesh netting. Water whenever the soil starts to dry out and support taller plants with canes.
Why are my Brussels sprouts so small? ›
Lack of growth: Brussels sprouts need very fertile soil indeed to perform well. As much as 300g per sq m (10oz per sq yd) of Growmore applied one third before and two thirds after planting are required for best results. Equivalent quantities of other fertilisers can be used instead.
How often should I water Brussels sprouts? ›
A quick guide to Brussels sprouts
Sow seeds in June, indoors or directly in the garden. Water thoroughly once a week for well-formed, large, sweet sprouts. They can stay in the garden as long as temperatures remain above 20°F.
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!
Why are my brussel sprouts not growing on my plants? ›
The usual cause is poor soil, lack of growth and especially the use of non-hybrid cultivars. Only hybrid cultivars can be relied on to produce firm sprouts. Excessive nitrogen fertiliser is not implicated in loose sprout formation.
What conditions are best for growing brussel sprouts? ›
Brussels sprouts like a sunny location with fertile, well-drained, firm soil. They form quite tall plants, so choose a sheltered spot, where they won't be buffeted by strong winds. If your soil is very acidic, apply lime to raise the pH to at least 6.5.
How long does it take for brussel sprouts to fully grow? ›
About Brussels Sprouts
They require a fairly long growing season (80–100 days to harvest) and are a cool-season crop, meaning that they produce best when grown for a fall or early winter harvest. The sprouts improve in flavor after a light frost or two.
