- Why you should grow it
- Brussel sprouts are an interesting plant to grow
- The sprouts grow along the stalk
They do best after a little frost, it makes the sprouts sweeter- Plant 1-2 plants per person
- How to start seeds
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- Space or thin seedlings to 24-30 inches apart, each plant will get fairly large
- Sow seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inches deep
- If starting indoors, leggy seedlings can be planted up to their first leaves
- Firm the soil around the transplant seedlings so they will root well
- Sow directly 10-12 weeks before the first frost so that they will be ready about 2 weeks after the first frost
- Tips for growth
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- Although some frost is good, you want to protect the plants from longer and more frequent frosts
- They grow well in deep containers, you can keep near a wall and more easily protect from frost
- Stake the plants as they will be top-heavy
- Weed gently as Brussel sprouts are shallow-rooted
- A major issue is cutworms that live in the soil and eat seedlings and roots
- Place a cardboard or plastic collar around the base of the plant
- Keep the soil around Brussels sprouts evenly moist; water the soil at the base of the plant
- Mulch around plants during the hot summer days to slow soil moisture evaporation and to keep the soil cool, give shade if the weather gets too warm
- Reduce watering as Brussels sprouts approach maturity, they won’t be growing as much
- Plant Brussels sprouts with beets, celery, herbs, onions, potatoes; avoid pole beans, strawberries, tomatoes
- Aphids can be knocked off of plants with a strong blast of water
- Harvesting
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- After a light frost, pick from the bottom up
- Sprouts should be about 1″ in diameter, they will be the most flavourful
- Once harvested, sprouts will last about 1-2 months
- The leaves can be eaten or cooked like cabbage
- If you want to harvest the whole plant at once
- Pinch the top set of leaves about 1 month before you plant to harvest – two weeks before the first frost
- This will force the growth to be focused on the already established sprouts and not the top
- Saving Seeds
- Brussel sprouts will go to seed the following year, they are biennial
- Leave the plant over winter and flowers will begin the following spring
- Ensure no other cabbage family is also flowering at the same time – they can easily cross
- Seed pods will begin to form, allow them to dry on the plant
- Cut the pods off, open and dry seeds fully inside
- Once fully dried, label and store in a cool, dark, dry place
