#Brussel sprout plant how to

T prevent most insects from hurting your young Brussels sprouts plants, utilize row covers and be sure to rotate your crops each year and don’t plant Cole family crops in the same space more than every three years, because certain pests can live in the soil and feed off the roots of these types of plants. To prevent this, you can plant seedlings instead of seeds and wrap collars around the stems to protect them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the infestations.Ĭutworms are another popular pest affecting Brussels sprouts, and they usually feed at night. Spray the insects with water from the hose and that will knock them off. This will cause the leaves to wrinkle or become discolored. The most common pests affecting Brussels sprouts are aphids, cutworms and many others.Īphids are tiny insects with soft bodies, and they feed on the leaves’ undersides. Like broccoli and cabbage, Brussels sprouts are a member of the Cole family and they are often affected by the same type of pests. Different plants are susceptible to different types of pests and diseases, and it is important to make yourself aware so you can keep a watchful eye and also take any preventative methods to keep your plants safe throughout their lifespan.īrussels sprouts can fall victim to several different pests and diseases. When growing vegetables, it is always exciting to care for the plant throughout its growing phase and then harvest it for delicious recipes later on, but one thing to watch for is pests and diseases. Learning Download: Common pests and diseases: Brussels sprouts Common pests and diseases: Brussels sprouts You can find a handful of different Brussels sprout seed varieties at Urban Farmer. Sprouts require six hours minimum of sunlight daily. Brussels sprouts are treated like broccoli and cauliflower and don’t require lots of additional nitrogen to grow, but do best in well-drained soil. What Brussels sprouts craves:īrussels sprouts crave a well-nourished soil with a pH of 6.8 and plenty of water, such as an inch a week. The smaller, tender leaves of the plant also can be harvested and cooked like collards. Only pick as many as you need, and the sprouts can stay on the stem through the first part of winter. If you are not harvesting the whole stalk, twist the sprouts off the stem and harvest from the bottom up, as this is how Brussels sprouts mature.

Sprouts are ready when their buds are green and about one to two inches in diameter. This redirects extra energy to the sprouts’ growth.įor the best sprouts flavor, wait until after the first fall frost to harvest, as the frost provides a sweetness to the sprouts. To top the plant, cut the tip of the plant off above the Brussels sprouts when the sprouts are still young. A tip to increase the quality of the sprouts is topping the plant about three weeks before the harvest. As sprouts begin to grow on the plant, sometimes the plant can becomes top heavy so it is suggested to stake the plant or hill soil around it if you experience this problem. If lower leaves begin to yellow, remove them from the plant. To grow:īrussels sprouts don’t mind water on their leaves, and gardeners can water the plant freely. When you transplant the sprouts to your garden, plant them two feet apart in rows set three feet apart. To plant:īrussels sprouts seeds are planted in the spring for a fall harvest, but they must be started indoors four weeks before the last frost date. They can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting, boiling or eaten in thin shavings. Brussels sprouts belong to the Cole Crop family and grow throughout a long season with a fall harvest. If you're planning on a winter harvest, keep brussels sprouts plants safe by covering them with straw.A beginning species of Brussels sprouts actually originated in Ancient Rome, and small, cabbage-like vegetable was brought to America in the 1800s.Do not wash the sprouts before storing them – only right before you plan to use them.You can harvest brussels sprouts from the bottom of the stalks once they reach about 1 inch in diameter.Since roots are shallow and easily prone to damage, do not cultivate.Mulch heavily to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Fertilize three weeks after transplanting.Once plants have reached 6 inches in height, thin them to 12-24 inches apart. If you're sowing seeds directly into the ground, plant them 1/2 inch deep, and 2-3 inches apart.A few days before transplanting, work some fertilizer into your soil.Raised beds are recommended when growing brussels sprouts since they are a cold weather vegetable and weather can change drastically.Alternatively, you can also sow seeds outdoors 4 months before the first fall frost, although we do recommend starting them indoors for best results.Start by sowing seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost.

#Brussel sprout plant how to

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts in Your Garden