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