Tasty Brussels Sprouts Add Visual Interest to Your Garden (2024)

Growing Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) is a little more time-intensive than some other garden vegetables, but is very rewarding. The large leaves look much like those of its cousins cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, and are edible. But the main goal is growing the tasty sprouts—resembling miniature heads of cabbage—that form just above where the leaves attach to the thick stalks. This guide will help you plant, grow, and harvest Brussels sprouts in your garden.

Where to Plant Brussels Sprouts

Like most vegetables, Brussels sprouts do best in full sun and moist, well-drained garden soil that’s rich in organic matter. If your soil has lots of sticky, heavy clay or sand that dries out quickly, add plenty of compost before planting or opt for raised beds.

Do not plant Brussels sprouts in the same location where other cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower) were grown in the past two gardening seasons, preferably longer. Crop rotation is crucial to prevent soil-borne pests and diseases and avoid nutrient depletion.

How and When to Plant Brussels Sprouts

A relatively slow-growing vegetable, Brussels sprouts develop their best flavor in cool weather. Plant Brussels sprouts transplants in spring in well-drained soil, and watch them grow all summer. Space the plants 24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart.

Because these plants are slow to mature, you may not have enough time to develop a harvestable crop if you plant seeds outdoors. However, if you live in an area with a shorter growing season, you can grow Brussels sprouts from seed and they will develop in the cooler weather of fall. Start the seeds indoors about four weeks before your region’s last average frost date in spring. Move the seedlings outside to harden off for a week when they are 4–5 inches tall. Then plant them in the garden.

Brussels Sprouts Care

Light

Brussels sprouts plants grow best when planted in an area that receives full sun, which means at least six hours of direct light per day.

Soil and Water

These plants grow best in well-draining soil. Keep the plants well watered, especially during periods of hot, dry weather. Spread a 2-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil to help keep the plants’ roots cool and moist through the heat of summer.

Temperature and Humidity

Brussels sprouts tolerate cold temperatures down to about 20°F for short periods. Their flavor is improved by light frost. For most of the season, this plant thrives in temperatures of 45°F-75°F. Humidity isn’t a concern as long as the soil is kept moist.

Fertilizer

Like many leafy vegetables, Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders. They do best in rich soil and with regular applications of a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. If you don’t want to worry about feeding Brussels sprouts throughout the summer, use a slow-release fertilizer at planting time. This type of fertilizer slowly breaks down to add nutrients to the soil over time.

Pruning

Pruning is unnecessary for Brussels sprouts, but removing the lower six or eight leaves from the stalk when the sprouts start to develop benefits their growth.

Pollination

Pollination is only relevant if you intend to collect the seeds of the plant for propagation. Brussels sprouts are pollinated by insects. To avoid cross-pollination between different cruciferous vegetables, there should only be one type of cruciferous vegetable blooming in your garden at the same time.

Potting and Repotting Brussels Sprouts

If your garden doesn’t offer good drainage and access to full sun, plant Brussels sprouts in large, moveable containers. 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. No repotting is necessary.

Pests and Problems

Several types of pests enjoy Brussels sprouts, so keep an eye out for invaders. Using row covers protects the plants early in the season. Row covers are fabric tunnels that allow light, air, and moisture to reach the plants while keeping harmful pests out. Watch for insects, such as cabbage worms, later in the summer after you remove the row covers. Hand-pick the worms or treat the sprouts with an organic insecticide or insecticidal soap according to label directions.

How to Propagate Brussels Sprouts

Although Brussels sprouts are typically grown as annuals, they are biennials that produce flowers and seeds in their second year (assuming they survive the winter weather). If you are growing an heirloom variety of Brussels sprouts, provided the conditions are right for proper pollination (see above), it makes sense to let the plant flower to collect the seeds. Wait for the seeds to dry on the plant before collecting the seed pods. Remove the seeds from their pods and store them in a cool, dry location until you're ready to plant them.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

Harvest Brussels sprouts in fall, but wait until the plant has been exposed to a couple of light frosts; the cool weather enhances their nutty flavor and reduces bitterness.

Once the sprouts reach about ½ inch wide, they are ready to be harvested but can also wait to harvest until they get as large as 1 or 2 inches wide. Twist the sprouts to pull them off the stem and refrigerate them if you don’t plan to use them right away. Don’t harvest in hot weather; warm temperatures make them bitter.

At the end of the season, just before a killing frost, if you don't want to let the young leaves go to waste, pick them and enjoy them as cooked greens. Use the sprouts in a wide variety of dishes. Most people find them especially tasty when grilled, roasted, steamed, or sautéed. They are also eaten raw in salads.

Types of Brussels Sprouts

‘Red Rubine’

‘Red Rubine’ is an heirloom variety prized for its purple-red color. In addition, the colorful sprouts are higher in antioxidants than green varieties. Start harvesting about 85 days after transplant.

‘Jade Cross E’

This hybrid variety has good disease resistance. It grows only 28 inches tall, making it a good choice for containers and small-space gardens. 'Jade Cross E’ is ready for harvest about 85 days after transplant.

‘Catskill’

'Catskill’ produces numerous extra-large sprouts on 24-inch compact plants. This heirloom variety has a delicious flavor and is excellent for fresh eating or freezing. It matures in 90-100 days from transplant.

Brussels Sprouts Companion Plants

This plant’s distinct look makes it a perfect partner for other edible plants such as colorful Swiss chard, feathery carrots, and herbs.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a classic vegetable with an attractive rosette of foliage that comes in a surprising array of colors and textures. It enjoys the same well-draining soil and full sun as Brussels sprouts prefer.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is an edible ornamental that is as pretty as it is productive. Its large leaves are used like spinach, and its colorful edible leaf stalks add vertical interest to the garden. Like Brussels sprouts, chard delivers the best flavor in cool weather.

Carrots

Carrots grow best in cool weather, like Brussels sprouts. Plus, carrots and other root vegetables improve the soil structure, which benefits Brussels sprouts.

Herbs

Deter pests and improve flavor by planting herbs near Brussels sprouts. Rosemary, sage, thyme, mint, and dill are all excellent companion plants.