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