Brussels Sprouts Growing Guide

Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) ●

Soil

Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Yes, improves with frost.

Feeding

Mix a high-nitrogen compost into the soil before planting.

Spacing

Single Plants: 60cm (1' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 60cm (1' 11") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow early or mid spring in pots or protected seed bed. Plant out when thumb height.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Surround stem with a 10cm (4 inch) mat with a slit cut into it for the stem to prevent cabbage root fly from destroying the roots. Use fine mesh or fleece over the summer to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Protect against birds which can damage the young seedlings and overwintering crops. May need supportive canes during the winter.

Harvesting

Harvest from the bottom of the plant upward, twisting off sprouts that are larger than a marble. Removing nearby leaves helps to make room for growing sprouts.