Brussels sprouts are cold weather crop that are in the same family as cabbage. Brussels sprouts are a delicious side dish that are packed with vitamins and minerals. Although they have a long growing season, brussels sprouts will increase in flavor after a few light frosts. Learn how to grow brussels sprouts with this easy to follow gardening guide and reap the delicious benefits of this amazingly flavorful vegetable!

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts in Your Garden

brussels sprouts

Planting Brussels Sprouts:

  • Start by sowing seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost.
  • Alternatively, you can also sow seeds outdoors 4 months before the first fall frost, although we do recommend starting them indoors for best results.
  • Raised beds are recommended when growing brussels sprouts since they are a cold weather vegetable and weather can change drastically.
  • A few days before transplanting, work some fertilizer into your soil.
  • Plant seedlings 12-24 inches apart.
  • If you're sowing seeds directly into the ground, plant them 1/2 inch deep, and 2-3 inches apart. Once plants have reached 6 inches in height, thin them to 12-24 inches apart.
  • Water well after planting.

Caring for Brussels Sprouts:

brussels sprouts plant

  • Fertilize three weeks after transplanting.
  • Mulch heavily to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
  • Since roots are shallow and easily prone to damage, do not cultivate.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts:

  • You can harvest brussels sprouts from the bottom of the stalks once they reach about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Do not wash the sprouts before storing them – only right before you plan to use them.
  • If you're planning on a winter harvest, keep brussels sprouts plants safe by covering them with straw.

Happy Planting!

how to grow brussels sprouts

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