How to Grow Brussels Sprout
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Sprouts need full sun, a deep, fertile, firm soil, and a long, cool season. Start in modules and transplant to final spacings; firm in well and stake tall varieties in windy sites. Feed and water consistently to avoid blown (loose) buttons. Remove yellowing lower leaves and, late in the season, top plants to size up remaining sprouts. Protect from pigeons and caterpillars with netting. Harvest firm buttons from the base upwards after frosts sweeten flavour.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 6°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 6 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Nitrogen-rich feed at planting. Firm soil well — loose soil produces loose sprouts.
- Need a long growing season — sow in spring for winter harvest. Firm planting is essential for tight sprouts.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 6°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–25°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 60 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
These are tall plants and need space for air circulation around the developing sprouts on the stem.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Cabbage White Caterpillars
Identification: Green caterpillars (small white) or yellow-and-black striped caterpillars (large white) feeding on leaves, large ragged holes, frass visible
- Fine mesh netting over plants from planting to harvest
- Hand-pick caterpillars and squash yellow egg clusters on leaf undersides
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray
- Pyrethrin-based insecticides
Pest Mealy Cabbage Aphid
Identification: Grey-green waxy aphids clustered in sprout buttons and on leaf undersides, leaves curl and yellow
- Encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps
- Insecticidal soap spray before buttons tighten
- Remove heavily infested lower leaves
- Fatty acid sprays applied before sprouts close up
Pest Cabbage Root Fly
Identification: Plants wilt in warm weather despite moist soil, white maggots found around roots when pulled up
- Brassica collars fitted snugly around stems at planting
- Fine mesh covering from transplanting
- Limited options for home gardeners
Disease Club Root Plasmodiophora brassicae
Symptoms: Stunted growth, wilting on warm days, swollen and distorted roots when pulled up
Treatment: No cure — remove and destroy affected plants, do not compost
Prevention: Lime soil to pH 7+, improve drainage, strict 4-year brassica rotation, raise transplants in clean compost
Disease White Blister Albugo candida
Symptoms: White raised blisters on leaf undersides, distorted growth, yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected leaves, improve air circulation
Prevention: Rotate brassicas, avoid overcrowding, remove crop debris
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 6°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8.5h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Brussels Sprout?
- Plant Brussels Sprout 60cm apart with 60cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Brussels Sprout?
- Brussels Sprout is ready to harvest approximately 160 days after transplanting.
- Is Brussels Sprout frost hardy?
- Brussels Sprout is classified as Hardy.
