Brussels Sprouts
Of the Cabbage Family
Brussels sprouts are like miniature cabbages, a hardy vegetable that usually requires a long growing period. If you do not have the patience, try the newer hybrids. They have a much shorter time requirement. Brussels sprouts have better quality when they are grown during cool weather.
Ground Planting
- Sow seeds in flats about six weeks prior to transplanting. Cover the seeds about half an inch deep, and transplant when about three inches in height. Place in a protected cool location.
- Prepare garden bed and mix well with compost prior to planting. Soil pH should be approximately 6.5.
- Transplant the seedlings about 12 weeks before the first frost in your location, Allow about 24 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows. Transplants usually prefer temperatures of between 60°F and 70°F.
- Transplanting can be a shock to your seedlings. Use a growing solution. Mix well one cup of 5-10-10 in one-and-one-half gallon of water. Let it sit for about six hours. Use one cup of the growing solution and water around the plant roots.
- If you are looking at a summer harvest, you must transplant at the earliest spring time. Be aware, however, that sprouts that mature during hot or dry weather will likely have a bitter taste. For most places, fall production is the best time for Brussels sprouts.
- When one foot high, give your Brussels sprouts an extra boost of nitrogen. Water regularly to keep the soil moist,
General Guidance
- The best sprouts are those that are harvested on sunny fall days and nightly frosts.
- When the Brussels sprouts are about two feet tall, remove the top growing point to direct the plant’s energy to the developing heads. Let the heads grow on the bottom one foot of the stalk.
- The Brussels sprouts can grow up to two inches in diameter. You may pick them when the heads are one inch in size, compact, and bright green. Harvest the sprouts before the leaves turn yellow. Discard sprouts that have any signs of insect damage or wilt rot.
- When storing Brussels sprouts, leave them unwashed and place in plastic bags in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator.
Pests and Diseases
- Brussels sprouts are also afflicted with cabbage worms. Where there are cabbage worms, you may also have blackleg, which is a fungus. Twice a week, look for signs of damage and dispose of them. Do not forget to check the undersides of the leaves. Treat with wood ashes or lime applied around the plant base. Additionally, contact your local county extension office for updated pest control methods.
- Remove aphids with a blast of water. You may also use insecticidal soap. Some gardeners find tin foil as a good mulch to disorient the bugs.
- Regularly feed and irrigate throughout the growing season.
- Keep the soil well-drained, and you can help keep your Brussels sprouts healthy. Damp soil invites pests and diseases.
- Harvest early sprouts without delay when the lower leaves begin to turn yellow. Otherwise, the Brussels will become tough and tasteless.
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