Brussels sprouts: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow Brussels sprouts under cover?
Sow Brussels sprouts under cover from February to April, adapting the timing to the variety and local climate. Use individual modules filled with moist seed compost and sow about 2 cm deep. Thin to one strong seedling per module.
Keep the seedlings in good light and the compost moist without waterlogging it. Do not transplant them simply because they are a few centimetres tall: wait for a good root system and plants about 10 to 15 cm tall. Gradually harden them off before planting outdoors.
Label the seedlings with their variety and sowing date, because early and late Brussels sprouts do not crop at the same time. Moisten the compost before sowing, then let excess water drain away. In a sunny greenhouse, watch the temperature and open vents to refresh the air: protection should not mean a stuffy enclosure. When thinning, keep the strongest seedling without disturbing its roots. Later, check that the root ball holds together before transplanting, rather than relying only on the number of days that have passed since you sowed the seeds.
How do you sow Brussels sprouts outdoors?
Sow Brussels sprouts outdoors in spring, generally from March to May depending on your climate and variety. Autumn sowing is not the usual schedule for an autumn or winter harvest: this crop needs a long growing season. Protect early sowings from cold when necessary.
Sow thinly about 2 cm deep in a fine, weed-free nursery bed and keep the soil moist. Thin the seedlings as they grow. Nursery spacing is temporary: transplant well-rooted plants in late spring or early summer, leaving about 60 cm between plants and rows, or follow the variety's instructions.
Label the rows so you do not mistake emerging seedlings for weeds. Water with a fine spray to keep the seeds in place. Insect mesh fitted at sowing can protect the leaves as they develop; secure its edges and inspect underneath as well. Aim for strong, separated seedlings rather than a crowded row with weak stems. Before moving them, water the nursery bed so you can lift the roots with some surrounding soil. Prepare their final positions in advance so the lifted plants do not dry out while waiting to be replanted.
How do you plant Brussels sprouts?
Plant Brussels sprouts in a sunny spot sheltered from strong winds, in fertile, firm, well-drained soil enriched beforehand with mature compost. Gradually harden off plants raised under cover. Transplant in late spring or early summer when they are well rooted and about 10 to 15 cm tall.
Keep the root ball intact and set the plant slightly deeper, with the lowest leaves at soil level. Firm the soil and water thoroughly. Allow about 60 cm between plants and rows, adapting to the variety. Protect young plants from slugs and use securely fitted insect mesh where needed.
Allow for the crop's eventual height from the start so that the mesh does not press against the leaves. Secure its edges to the ground and leave access for watering. Avoid a bed recently occupied by other cabbages to reduce the build-up of soil problems. The plants should remain stable after watering: if soil settles around the root ball, add a little more and firm it without crushing the roots. In exposed positions, a stake can later support the tall stem, as wind can rock the plants and loosen their roots.
How to care for this plant
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Maintain the mulch
Once the plants are established and the soil has warmed, check the mulch and top up bare patches if needed. Keep the stem bases clear and remove weeds before covering them.
How do you harvest Brussels sprouts?
Harvest your Brussels sprouts when the little heads are firm, tightly closed and still green. Usually start with those at the bottom of the stem, which mature first, and work upwards over successive pickings. Timing depends on the variety: some crop from autumn, while others produce mainly in winter. Do not rely on a single date for every plant in your bed.
Hold the main stem with one hand and snap off the ready sprouts with a downward movement, without pulling up the plant or damaging neighbouring sprouts. Pick a few from several plants according to your needs. Leave smaller sprouts to develop and check regularly that they are not starting to open or turn yellow. You can leave the plants standing to spread out your harvest, provided the sprouts remain healthy and in good condition.
Put your harvest in the refrigerator promptly and use it within about a week. Check the sprouts before preparing them and discard any that have deteriorated. Once you have finished picking the sprouts, the young leaves at the top can also be eaten.
Brussels sprouts
- Type : Vegetables
- Subtype : Leafy vegetables
- Botanical Family : Brassicaceae (cruciferous)
Characteristics
- Lifecycle : Annual
- Exposure : Full Sun
- Frost Hardiness : Frost Resistant
- Cultivation Difficulty : Medium
- Mature height : 60 cm
Sowing & Planting
- Greenhouse Growing : Not Required
- Sowing Depth : 1 cm
- Plant Spacing : 50 cm
- Row Spacing : 60 cm
Maintenance
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Water Requirements : Moderate
Other characteristics
- Soil Type : Mixed
- Soil pH Preference : Neutral
- Pest Sensitivity : Moderate
- Disease Sensitivity : Moderate
- Weed Sensitivity : Moderate
- Pollination : Insect-pollinated
- Propagation : Sowing