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Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

Vegetable

Brussels sprouts are slow-growing cool-season brassicas that reward patience with dense, flavourful sprouts along their tall stems. A light frost before harvest dramatically improves their flavour by converting starches to sugars.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Soil

Rich, firm, well-draining loam; pH 6.0–7.5

Spacing

18–24 inches

Days to Maturity

90–120 days from transplant

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 3–10

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

When to Plant

  • Start Indoors

    12–14 weeks before first autumn frost

  • Transplant

    6–8 weeks before first autumn frost

  • Harvest

    Harvest sprouts from bottom up; sweetest after frost

Organic Growing Tips

  • Remove lower yellowing leaves as the season progresses to improve airflow and reduce disease.

  • Plant mint as a border to confuse and repel cabbage white butterflies seeking host plants.

  • Apply neem oil spray at the first sign of aphid colonies to prevent exponential spread.

  • Firm the soil well at planting; loose soil leads to loose, poorly formed sprouts.

Common Pests

  • Cabbage White Caterpillar
  • Aphids
  • Cabbage Looper
  • Whitefly
  • Clubroot

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.