How to grow Brussel Sprouts

How to grow Brussel Sprouts

Another cole crop from the Mediterranean region brussel sprouts or spruitjes in Dutch got its claim to fame from Brussels, Belgium around 1200s. Brussel sprouts are a cold weather crop that is grown as a annual with best harvest being after a frost or two. This cultivars has about 110 different varieties. Brussel sprouts are a strange looking vegetable that for some tastes great, and for some tastes really bad. One this is for sure its a fun challenge to try and grow.
Plant and go
Botanical: Brassica Oleracea
Depth: ½" Spacing: 2-3"  Row: 12-24" Temp: 45-75F
Germ: 7-12 days  Sun: Full/ 6-8 hrs  pH: 6.0-7.0 Harvest: 8-10/90-100 days
Soil: well drained Container: 12x12" Fertilizer: 10-10-10  Fert Freq:  3-4 wks
Water: 2-2.5in per wks
Details
Brussel sprouts have a long growing time. These funny looking plants are a intermediate plant to grow. It’s all about meeting specific conditions once the plant starts to mature. Interesting fact, it’s said that brussel sprouts have a better taste after being exposed to a frost or two. Sow seeds some time around May or June depending on if your direct sowing or transplanting. They are annuals and, usually grown as a fall crop. Sowing is the same whether you plan on growing in a container, transplant or direct sow, place ½ below surface, 2-4 inches apart, rows 12-24 inches. Sandy loam is recommended but potting sil works just as well as long as it’s well drained. Make sure the location gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, and don’t forget the mulch. Water requirements are 1-1 ½ inches per week, and they prefer temperatures from 45-75F. Thin seedlings once they reach 2 inches or so to about 18 inches apart. Thinned seedlings are edible if you’ve gone the microgreen route. Transplant when seedlings are 4-6 inches tall and have 2-4 leaves. plant deeper then when grown indoors, place slightly above leaves. Fertilize with preferred medium, and at least twice during grow. The recommended formula for fertilizer is 10-10-10 mix. And leave to mature. Harvest Brussel sprouts mature from the bottom up, and are ready once the sprouts are at a minimum 1 inch in diameter. To harvest individual sprouts a twist and pull motion works, some folks just remove the whole bunch by cutting the stalk.
Tip
-Trim the bottom 5-8 leaves to encourage growth in sprouts.
-Plants will keep producing as the grow taller. Remove lower sprouts and trim yellow leaves at bottom.
-Brussels sprouts are some what heat tolerant, but constant direct heat and the plant will bolt. Fun Fact The world record for tallest brussel sprout plant is 10 ft and was grown by Dickerson Philip California, 2022.
Conclusion
Brussel sprouts are a particular plant when comes to growing conditions, but don’t let that discourage you. Grab a pack of seeds, dirt, and sow. Just remember to keep a eye on this plant. Let it go through a frost or two and harvest. If your up for a challenge try and grow a brussel sprout in a container.
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