Growing Brussels sprouts

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S S              
        T T            

(Best months for growing Brussels sprouts in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 7°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 45 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 14-28 weeks. Pick sprouts when small. .
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chili, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

02 Oct 13, BETTY DENTON (Australia - temperate climate)
I have only taken up gardening over the last 2 years since my husband passed away with moderate success, but no success at all over the last 2 years with brussel sprouts and celery. My brussel sprouts grow to bout a meter and a half tall the little nobs appear as if the spouts are coming but nothing than the plants goes to seed definitely not because of lack of water, and my celery pops up looks very healthy but only gets a couple of stalks then dies off? would appreciate your advice I live by the beach at Port Broughton South Australia, I plant in garden soil, mulch potting soil and use cow manure and garden mulch to prepare soil and sea soul for fertilizer Regards.Betty Denton
01 Feb 15, Dee (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Betty I'm so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. I've not had any success with growing brussels myself (yet) but I checked my gardening book for you and I'm wondering if they might have clubroot? Do all the brussels and celery plants die off? Could you perhaps dig up one of the dying plants and take it to your local nursery (make sure you put it into a sealed bag first because if it is clubroot it can spread easily via spores. I hope it helps. Kindest regards, Dee
21 Sep 13, lorraine (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
i,m growing brusel sprouts for the first time, i put the seedlings in on the 17th May, they have been in for approx16wks the palnts have grown but now its seems they are going to seed why???
31 Aug 13, Carolyn Phillips (Australia - temperate climate)
THIS website is really great. I have possibly planted my brassicas too late as it is now 1 September and they have done nothing but keep making leaves and getting taller. most cabbages have been ok though. I am in Sydney south west suburbs so temperate climate but it has been a very mild warm winter, only 2 mild frosts They have not gone to seed yet but brussels have not made buds, caulies and broccoli just leaves and more leaves and growing taller about 20-30 inches. What could it be?
01 Sep 13, Dorothy (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm Mid North Coast and we've had such mild winter too. My Brussells Sprouts have started to pop out but don't think they're going to do much good either. Think maybe next year the seeds could be put in the fridge for a while before planting? That works for some winter seeds.
04 Sep 13, kevin (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Dorothy,my brussells were popping out so i left them so they would grow as big as shop bought ones.But within 2 weeks they all opened up like flowers,I dont know what I've done wrong.I have now discarded them and put in corn cucumbers and beans.I can only hope these will take off.I'm in Perth
03 Sep 13, Mark Walters (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm in Melbourne, planted my sprouts in January and they got to about 2cm max. We had a very warm winter so I'm now wondering if the chance to grow sprouts again is shot. I hope not as I love them in a bubble and squeak or just steamed, probably my favorite vegetable.
20 Jul 13, Lee Patterson (Australia - temperate climate)
I have also planted Brussel Sprouts same time as Broad Beans. When will they fruit. Thanking you
16 Jun 13, keith (Australia - temperate climate)
My brussels sprout Plants are growing very tall , at least 4 foot high and very healthy plants, the Sprout are starting to appear and approx. 2 inches round, but they are all very hollow and all leaves ,No Hearts
06 Jun 13, Ronald (Australia - temperate climate)
The last time I planted Sprouts they never grew any bigger than my little finger nail.Then a friend said to cut the leaves off, so as to let the goodness go to the sprout and not the leaves. I have planted them again this year, is that correct or not ??
Showing 131 - 140 of 197 comments

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