Description

 

Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera – These heavy-bearing, sturdy, straight plants have bright green 2.5 cm (1 in) sprouts with a delicious yellow interior with a higher brix (soluble sugars) than other hybrids. If frost strikes in the midst of your harvest, it should be no problem. Frost sweetens the flavour and you will find your last sprouts even more delicious than the first of the season!

Planting Instructions

Seed outdoors as soon as weather and soil conditions permit. Cover seed lightly with soil, 6 – 7 seeds per 30 cm (1 ft) of row. Average garden soil and a sunny location are ideal. Thin to 30 cm (1 ft) apart when 7 cm (3 in) high. For earlier Brussel Sprouts start indoors 2 to 3 weeks in advance of intended date for moving the plants to the garden. Germinates best at 21 C (70 F) in 7 to 10 days. Reduce temperature after germination to 15 C (65 F) and provide additional light to help prevent stretching and to tone up plants before transplanting outside. Several sowings of 10 days apart ensure a fresh supply into fall.

Brussel-recipes click to open and print

Quick Tips

While the plants are growing, avoid using any nitrogen-rich fertilizer on your Brussels sprouts particularly after the middle of the summer. It can brown the inside of the growing sprouts.

You can grow Brussels sprouts in large containers (at least 5 gallons each), with one plant per pot. Container gardening has one benefit with Brussels sprouts, that you can move them out of the direct sun during the hottest part of the season which may extend your harvest time.