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

30 Jan 19, Pab (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Cani grow brussel sprouts in the spring and summer
20 Nov 18, ed mccoskey (USA - Zone 6a climate)
what is the best variaty to grow in zone 6a
10 Nov 18, Kerrie Torr (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Am I wasting my my time with planting Brussel sprouts At present I have 4 great looking Brussel sprout plants but no fruit should I remove them And I’m questioning wether I should bother with them at all I’m in Noosa Thanks Kerrie
12 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In Qld's warmer climates you have a very small window to plant sprouts - Feb/March. Grow them into the winter cool months. They really are a cool weather crop.
25 Aug 22, Terry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Ipswich in SEQ, and I planted a pair of brussel sprout plants in my Aquaponics this year. Sown seed in germination tray mid Feb. Transplanted to system after first set of true leaves appeared (can't remember when that was tbh probably mid to late March). 1 plant suffered nutrient deficiencies pretty severely, (strange though as both were in the same grow bed with same nutrient level) the other has only in the last week started growing some small nubs to sprouts.... Next time round I'm going to start germinating on or before Xmas day
26 Sep 18, Kelvin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I planted in late May and now (early spring) the stems are 1-2 foot tall and small sprouts are forming but the tops are starting to flower. Should I leave them, pinch out the flowers or just pull out the whole plants?
08 Oct 18, Sudhakar Jha (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Same with my plant, what to do?
07 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If flowering the plant is coming to its end. Not enough fertiliser or the growing season is ending. It is a winter crop and for cool cold climates.
14 Sep 18, Gerard O'Donnell (Australia - temperate climate)
I can't see anything here about feeding brussel sprouts. Can anyone direct me to the appropriate page on this website please?
14 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
GO TO GOOGLE - how to grow Brussel sprouts. If you start with good soil when you plant you don't need to feed them.
Showing 71 - 80 of 197 comments

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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