Brussel Sprouts growth stages

Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop that can be grown in the garden from fall to spring. They are heat and cold tolerant, but do best in cooler climates.

It is important to keep in mind the growth stages of the Brussels sprout. Brussels sprouts are best grown in raised beds with rich soil and plenty of organic matter. The plants need full sun, so they should be placed where they receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight every day.

Brussels Sprouts Quick Grow Guide

• In most regions, plant Brussels sprouts so that they come to harvest in the fall.
• Start seeds indoors 12 to 14 weeks before the first autumn frost for harvest after the first frost.
• In mild-winter regions plant Brussels sprouts in late summer or autumn for a winter harvest or a cool spring harvest.
• Brussels sprouts reach maturity 80 to 90 days after transplanting and 100 to 110 days after sowing depending on the variety.
• Time planting so that Brussels sprouts do not grow in extended periods of hot weather well above 70°F (21°C). Cool weather is ideal for growing Brussels sprouts.

• Grow Brussels sprouts in full sun, 6 to 8 hours per day.
• Brussels sprouts grow best in fertile, compost-rich and well-drained soil. Add 6 inches or more (15cm) of aged compost or commercial organic planting mix to planting beds before planting and then turn the soil to 12 inches (30cm) deep.
• Heavy soil, not light sandy soil, is best for growing Brussels sprouts.
• Brussels sprouts prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. If clubroot disease has been a problem in the past, add lime to adjust the soil to 7.0 or slightly higher.
• Avoid planting Brussels sprouts in the same place two years in a row. Crop rotation is important to prevent soil nutrient depletion and soil-borne diseases.

Step 3: New Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest 85 to 95 days after planting. They are tender at first and should be harvested as soon as the lower leaves turn yellow.

If the sprouts are picked too early, the delicate texture and flavor will be destroyed. You can remove them as they get bigger and bigger. During the growing season, you can cut the plants back to the ground to prevent the tops from dying.

Step 1: Planting Brussels Sprouts

The first step in growing Brussels sprouts, including most plants, is planting. Brussels sprouts seeds can be grown indoors or outdoors, provided you do it under the right conditions.

Step Four – Fostering Sprout Formation

Your vegetable crop will start producing sprouts about 50 to 55 days after you plant them. A small cabbage will begin to appear on the axil, or the area where the stem and leaves meet.

At this stage, you can start pruning your Brussels sprouts to get a bigger harvest. When the plant reaches about 16 to 20 inches you can pinch the top to encourage side shoots and busier growth. You can also remove the lower leaves on the stems as the cabbage sprouts develop and turn into full-fledged vegetables.