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

09 Feb 09, Trinette (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can make a "tea" by boiling chilies and garlic in some water. When it cools spray it on. Haven't tried it on Brussell Sprouts but works on brocolli. You have to be fairly consistent and spray 1 - 2 times a day. I have also read if you squish soem of whatever it is doing the damage and soak in some water that will repel them also. Good luck
31 Jan 09, Sally (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What can I spray on my Brussell sprouts and brocoli and cabbage to stop them being eaten? Would like something I have in the kitchen that is not toxic please.
23 Oct 15, Vicki (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
20 Jan 09, glenda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
my sprouts grow well but the fruit is only pea size, what am I doing wrong
15 Jan 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Jo, the answers will appear in the same area. But sometimes it takes a while before they happen.
13 Jan 09, jo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i see lots of questions with no answers. Is there somewhere special to go to see the answers because the questions are very good.
28 Jul 08, John (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Should I pinch out the young bottom sprouts to help the grownth of other sprouts further up
21 May 08, Leontine (Unknown climate)
My brussel sprouts have grown the leaves etc and to a reasonable height but no sign of "fruit" yet. Instead the heart of the flowering leaves is covered in soft substance, bit like insect poop (?!). Have they got some kind of disease or is this normal? We've had a lot of rain so not sure if this is the problem?
Showing 191 - 198 of 198 comments

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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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