How to Grow Brussel Sprouts

Here’s how to grow Brussel Sprouts in your vegetable garden!

Brussels sprouts may be small, but they are a delicious vegetable that is very rewarding to grow in your garden. They are members of the cabbage family and are a cool-weather crop.

If you want to have success growing brussels sprout plants, read this post for tips and guidance on how to get started! 

They like cool weather and take a long time, usually around 90 days, in which to fully mature, according to the University of Illinois Extension on Vegetable Gardening.

They are a late-summer harvest, since it takes time to grow these sprouts.

Plant In Fertile Soil

Brussels sprouts need full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and lots of humidity to grow well. Make sure your soil moisture isn’t overly wet, or it can cause rot and attract aphids. 

 Starting Brussels sprouts from seed is possible, but you should start them indoors rather than in the garden bed to ensure the best start for your plants.

How to Start with Seedlings and Young Plants 

Start the Brussels sprout seeds indoors four to five weeks before you want to plant them outside. Fill the seed trays with potting soil and plant the Brussels sprout seeds in the trays, one or two seeds per tray.

Plant the seeds ½ to ¼ inch deep. Keep the seed trays moist. Place the seed trays under grow lights or near a brightly lit window.

Choose a location for the Brussels sprouts in your garden. The area should be in full sun with well-drained soil. Work 6 to 8 inches of compost into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.

When To Transplant Brussel Sprout Plants

Transplant the Brussels sprouts to the garden about 90 to 100 days before the first frost date in your area, usually early to mid-summer. Dig holes for the transplants as deep as the root balls. Space the holes 24 to 36 inches apart. Place the transplants into the holes and fill the holes with soil.

Water the Brussels sprouts with 1 to 1 ½ inches of water every week if there is no rainfall. Remember, they require a long growing season, so keep your plants hydrated.

Fertilize the Brussels sprouts when they are 12 inches tall. You could use 13-13-13 fertilizer, adding 1 tbsp. of fertilizer per plant. We always use organic fertilizer and lots of compost. Water the plants well after applying the fertilizer.

Make sure the bottom of the stalk is covered well in organic matter or soil of your choice. You want to ensure that the plants can withstand outdoor weather ailments. You can grow the Brussel Sprouts in pots or in the soil outdoors. 

Just make sure to tackle weeds as they grow, so they won’t hurt the growth of your brussels sprouts. 

When To Harvest Sprouts 

Brussels sprouts can be harvested in 90 to 110 days, depending on the variety. Late summer is typically when your sprouts are ready to harvest.

The tiny cabbage-like sprouts grow along the plant’s stalk. The lower 6-8 leaves can be cut off two weeks before harvest. 

This will force the plants to produce more profusely. To harvest, simply cut off the lower sprouts with a sharp knife when they are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, compact, and bright green.

If you planted in April for a winter harvest, the sprouts will have more flavor after exposure to frost.

Brussels sprouts are low in calories and high in dietary fiber. They contain Vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. They also contain good amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese.

For success, it doesn’t hurt to do a soil test to ensure the soil pH matches what they need for growing.

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts can be steamed, braised, or boiled. Before cooking, cut an “X” in the bottom of the stem. This way, they will cook evenly. 

Ways to Cook

• Steaming
• Braising
• Boiling
• Roasting
• And More

Cook Brussels sprouts for seven to ten minutes. Do not over-cook. Overcooking will diminish the flavor and nutrient content. It also reduces the delicious crunch. They can be added to soups or stews during the last ten minutes of cooking.

Try my pickled brussels sprouts for another tasty way to cook up and enjoy throughout the year. 

Tips for Storing

Store Brussels sprouts by first blanching for three minutes, then placing them in an ice bath for three minutes. They can then be put into freezer bags or storage containers and frozen.

Frozen Brussels sprouts can be stored for up to a year. Brussels sprouts can also be canned.

If you have cooked sprouts with leftovers, you can store them in a sealed plastic bag or container in the refrigerator for a few days and enjoy them. 

Sprouts offer a delicious flavor and are great like broccoli, kale, and other hearty greens. Great to add to your diet.

Growing Brussels sprouts can provide you with a great gardening and dining experience. Add a few sprouts to you garden and, with a little care, you can have a plentiful crop.

This easy-to-grow food crop has become a gardening favorite. Consider adding them to your crop rotations when you grow a garden.