Learn how to grow Brussels sprouts – an interesting vegetable for brassica’s lovers.
We have only had relative success with our Brussels sprouts last season as they were attacked by cabbage moth. But the sprouts that we did eat were delicious and the antioxidant health benefits contained in them are just so good for you!.
How to grow Brussels sprouts – planting
This is a cool season vegetable which means that it will do its growing and producing during Winter. You can sow seeeds from mid to late summer and then transplant in Autumn.
The soil needs to be well prepared with compost and once planted you need to give them plenty of water during the growing season.
Long term care Harvesting Brussels sprouts
13 – 15 weeks after transplanting you should be able to harvest your first Brussels sprouts. Simply stip away the lower leaves (give to chickens or into the compost heap) and start picking the sprouts from the bottom up. I found it easier to use a sharp knife to slice them off the stalk.
Pests and diseases are the hardest to deal with over the length of the plants lifespan. All brassica’s suffer from the same pests and can be treated through organic pest control by picking off the little caterpillars before they start munching away at the leaves. All brassica’s (cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower) are demanding plants on soil nutrients, so make sure to plan a root vegetable or legumes in this spot once you have harvested the stalk.
Quick Notes
When to plant: While these can be grown from seed, it is often more effective to buy seedlings from a nursery. Sow seeds late summer, transplant Autumn.
How many plants: 6 plants will give an ample harvest for a family.
How long to harvest: 13 – 15 weeks after transplanting.
Successive planting: Probably only get in one large planting.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS RECIPE
The more traditional way to prepare and eat Brussels sprouts is steamed and served with a cheese sauce. I enjoy mine sweated in butter and black pepper… just like that!
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