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Plant type: Vegetable
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Sun exposure: Full Sun
Soil type: Any
Soil pH: Neutral

Brussels Sprouts are a member of the cabbage family, and an excellent source of protein and vitamins. They have a long growing season, and are generally more successful when grown for a fall harvest, as they only increase in flavor after a light frost or two.
Planting
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost.
- While starting seeds indoors is recommended, you may also direct sow seeds 4 months before the first fall frost. You may also have luck finding seedlings at a nursery.
- Raised beds are especially recommended for cold season vegetables, especially when seasons are changing and temps are not consistent.
- Work fertilizer into soil a few days before planting or transplanting.
- Plant transplant seedlings 12-24 inches apart.
- If direct sowing seeds, plant ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Thin plants to 12-24 inches apart when they reach 6 inches tall.
- Water well at time of planting/transplanting.
Care
- Fertilize three weeks after transplanting.
- Mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature cool.
- Do not cultivate, roots are shallow and susceptible to damage.
Pests
- Aphids
- Cabbage Root Maggots
- Flea Beetles
- Clubroot
- Downy Mildew
- White Mold
Harvest/Storage
- Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk when they reach about 1 inch in diameter.
- Do not wash the sprouts before storing them, only right before use.
- Keep in plastic for up to 5 days, in the refrigerator.
- Protect the plant by mulching with straw or providing a cover if you plan to harvest into the winter.
Recommended Varieties
- ‘Jade Cross’ is resistant to some diseases.
- ‘Oliver’ is an early variety.
- ‘Valiant’ produces consistent, uniform sprouts.
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Comments
I want to know if brussel
- reply
By Becky Leaf on May 20
I want to know if brussel sprouts come back after winter? I have some new growth. Some looks like it is flowering and some look like baby plants.
Brussel sprouts
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By Anonymous on May 3
I live in Southern MN. Could I plant my seeds directly in the ground soon and have a harvest by the first fall frost? (that's if it doesnt snow again)
collards
- reply
By Anonymous
when do they plant collards in in georgia
Collards like cool weather so
- reply
By Almanac Staff
Collards like cool weather so early spring plantings are best.
Thank you for your interest in the Old Farmer's Almanac and our Web site.
brussel sprouts
- reply
By Gina Suttles
We have beautiful brussel sptout plants big and healthy but no sprouts. What can we do to make them produce sprouts?
Brussels sprouts tips
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By Catherine Boeckmann
If you had big plants but no sprouts, did you notice any green worms? The cabbage worms or cabbage loopers? Use BT and floating row covers all season to get ahead of them. Otherwise, was it cool enough during the full 100-day growing period? And did you water a lot?
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