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
Related Content
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More