How To Grow Brussels Sprouts In Your Own Backyard

Brussels Sprouts Care

Brussels sprout transplants are the easiest option for most gardeners. When planting, dig a hole about twice as wide as your pot, place the plant in the soil as deep as it was in the pot, backfill the soil, and pat down to keep the plant firmly in the ground. Allow at least 8 to 10 inches of spacing between transplants, says Heater.

Light

Brussels sprouts need full sun, which is considered 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. They will not perform well in shady conditions.

Soil

Soil should be rich in organic matter, so amend your soil with nutrient-rich compost before planting to give them a good start. “Brussels sprouts like well-nourished soils,” says Heater. “Avoid the extremes of clay or compacted soil or too much sand.”

Water

Water immediately when planting, then give your plants at least an inch of water per week while actively growing and establishing. Adequate, even moisture is essential to sprout development.

Temperature and Humidity

Sprouts can tolerate frost but don’t do well in high heat if planted too early in the summer. For areas with milder or frost-free environments, plant in late summer to early fall for a winter harvest, says Heater.

Fertilizer

Brussels sprouts benefit from a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as composted manure, blood meal or fish emulsion when plants are establishing (about 3 to 4 weeks after planting). While actively growing, fertilize with a balanced slow release granular vegetable fertilizer (such as 10-10-10).

 Stop fertilizing about four weeks before you expect to harvest to avoid affecting taste, says Heater. Also, always follow the label of the product so you do not overfeed, which can lead to excessive leaf growth and poor sprout development.

Best Varieties For The South

• Gigantus is a high-yielding variety that’s suitable for southern gardens
• Jade Cross is an option that tolerates heat stress better than some other types

Common Pests And Diseases 

As part of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as other cabbage, such as slugs, cabbage loopers, diamond back moths, aphids, and earwigs. To minimize risk, avoid planting Brussels sprouts or any of their relatives in the same spot every year. Companion planting garlic, onions, and marigolds also may help repel common Brussels sprouts pests, says Heater.

Other problems such as small or no buds result from planting too early or too late. Heat stress can make them grow tall and leafy, while a killing frost before bud formation also can damage the bud set, says Heater.

Should You Prune Brussels Sprouts?

You can “top” or prune your growing tip to redirect energy to sprout formation, especially if it seems like the sprouts are slow to form. When plants get about 2 to 3 feet tall, or about 6 to 8 weeks before the typical harvest date, cut 4 to 6 inches off the top of the plant.

When To Harvest Brussels Sprouts

The sprouts mature from the bottom of the stalk upwards. Use a sharp knife to cut individual sprouts off the stalk when the tight little heads, like mini cabbages, feel firm and are 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Or you can cut the entire stalk off at the base and store intact in the fridge, which will help extend storage life.

While frost and light freezes will not damage plants, temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit will harm them. Either harvest or cover any remaining sprouts with a frost blanket if temperatures are dipping below 20 degrees.