Melinda Myers

Brussels Sprouts

Botanical Name

Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

Hardiness

Biennial, grown as an annual

Height

2 to 3 feet

Width

1.5 to 2 feet

Light

Full sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter

Planting & Care

• Brussels sprouts are a cool season crop that germinates best in temperatures between 45°F to 85°F
• Sow seeds 4 months before the first expected fall frost
• Plant seeds ¹/₄ to ¹/₂ inch deep, spaced 3 to 4 inches apart in rows spaced 30 inches apart
• Plants should be thinned to 18 inches apart
• Plants can also be started from seed indoors 4 to 5 weeks before being transplanted into the garden. Transplant seedlings when they 3 inches tall, before they become too leggy.
• Provide adequate, even moisture
• Mulch the soil around the plants to help retain even soil moisture, protect roots and discourage weeds
• Use a floating row cover to protect plants from insects

Problems

Cabbage worms, aphids, cutworms, flea beetles, cabbage root maggot, slugs, cabbage loopers, clubroot, rust

Varieties

• Bubbles - warm weather tolerant, rust resistant, 82-90 days to maturity
• Tasty Nuggets - 1-1¹/₄ inch sprouts
• Long Island - heirloom variety, 24"
• Falstaff - ornamental red sprouts
• Oliver - easy picking, large, smooth sprouts
• Hestia - bright green exterior, smooth, dense yellow interior, tolerates warm weather and much colder temperatures, flavor improves when the temperatures dip into the 30's, potential for second season in many areas, All-America Selections winner