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 45°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 18 - 24 inches 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

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30 Dec 14, russ (Australia - temperate climate)
can I grow Brussels sprouts in pots if how big should they be and what sort of soil is best for them ....thank you for your time russ
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15 Nov 14, vistaflower (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
When is the best time to sow brussel sprouts in western cape (boland area) south africa? Dry hot summers, winter rainfall.
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05 Nov 14, Melisa Mitchell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi could anyone tell me when is the best time to plant Brussels in Central Queensland,Thanx in advance.
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19 Jun 14, charmaine (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Good day ,I stay in Pietermaritzburg, kzn south africa , its like almost july and its very cold , what I would like to no it would it still be possible for me to plant Brussels sprout , if I get to buy the plants from a nusrary , and I would also like to no if I plant the seeds when would be the right time to plant them. Thanks charmaine
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13 Jun 14, Jo (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What vege/s can growin a spot which produced mountains of tomatoes,eggplant and herbs during summer. The soil is great but it is at the western end of the garage and only gets sun from about 12.30pm till 3pm? Suggestions please. Area is 6m x 1m and raised,
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23 Jun 14, Markus (Australia - arid climate)
Any root crops would be fine, carrots, turnips, beetroot, Parsnips if you like them. Although the soil will be fully depleted afterwards. Grow a legume then or add compost before planting similar fruiting crops again. Or grow legumes now, Broad Beans at home are going great. after harvest dig-in, wait at least 2-3 weeks & plant up your fruiting summer crops in October.
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15 May 14, Theresa (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I planted my brussels sprout seeds in October of 2013. Here it is May 2014 and they are still as small as pencil erasers! Will they ever grow here?
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04 Nov 22, Deborah j Higgins (USA - Zone 9b climate)
did they mature? enough fertilizer and water? no Asian worms depleting the soil?
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26 Apr 14, tyshia (Australia - temperate climate)
are there any pest that i need to look out for when growing brussels sprouts
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30 Mar 14, Des (Australia - temperate climate)
I love sprouts I quarter them and cook them with. Caraway seeds in a stir Fry they cook fast as well a Yum also my first time growing them can a anyone tell me if they should be staked or any other Tips Please
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Showing 121 - 130 of 197 comments
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Hi Sally, A friend gave me a great tip this year that has kept my broccoli and cabbage pest free! I got a packet of ping pong balls and drew big eyes on them with permanent marker and stuck them onto skewers and put them in the garden so they were visible and that's worked a treat and I have no even seen any white butterflies in the garden at all. I have no idea how it works and I was sceptical but she swore by it and it has worked for me too, as for snails, I find mulching and some sawdust helps.

- Vicki

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