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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22 Aug 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
why do my brussel sprouts seem to be more of an open leave than compact i use seasol fertiliser at 3 week intervals
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16 Aug 11, Val (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We have had a cold winter this year. we have successfully grown Brussels Spouts but are wondering if the cabbage like top of the plant is edible?
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19 Feb 12, Kerri (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Val. I recently moved to Tasmania and am loving being able to grow the whole range of brassicas. We eat the lot - leaves, stems, flowers - of all of the brassica plants. What we don't eat, the chooks relish. I consider the tops of brussels, including flowers, to be a gardeners treat for break time grazing.
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12 Jun 11, Arthur (Australia - temperate climate)
This year ive spent more time looking at the problems with my brussel sprouts and the rest of my greens cabbage cau. lettuce etc this is what I found.When the weathers warm, water in the evenings giving your plants a good soaking.Dont water over head but round the root of the plants.If you do this you will sprouts instead of little cabbages.Arthur ( the mad gardner)
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31 May 11, Nikko (Australia - tropical climate)
Avoid even bothering with brussells if u live in a warm area. Even as far south as Sydney in Australia. I live in bayside Brisbane ( I follow the tropical guides cos all sub tropical guides do not work in my experience in Brisbane) and have tried brussells several times and they just fail because the winter is to warm. Although I am trying them again this year with a new tactic. I will keep u's informed. I wouldn't bother if ur the average gardener but.
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24 May 11, daz (Australia - temperate climate)
it should be fine.
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20 Mar 11, luke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
wat happens if i plant my seedlings now in the end of march ???
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25 Feb 11, mark devine (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
i live in mt gambier SA ive just put in some BS what pests should i beware of here please ???
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27 Oct 10, chad (Australia - temperate climate)
have not grown brussel sprouts before but seem to have big plants and leaves and dont know what or if anything to do next. no fruit as yet. just letting them go
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16 Jan 11, daniel (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Chad, You need to be sowing your seeds as early as December (Some varieties, November) and setting the seedlings out in mid January you if you are anywhere close the Sydney climate (I am in the lower Blue Mountains). The information on gardenate is sometimes too general. Also the harvest time is 20-28 weeks not the 12-13 stated here. I had the same problem as you
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I would like to be able to purchase some Brussel tops, as they make a great green to eat with a good roast and the green water makes a fantastic gravy. Do you know anywhere in NSW that I can purchase some? We live in Goulburn NSW

- Colin Robinson

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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