Brussel Sprouts are a cool-weather crop and does especially well as a fall planting. Brussel Sprouts are a member of the cabbage family and are high in vitamins. Long Island produces tender flavorful buds that increase in flavor after a light frost.
How to Grow Brussel Sprouts:
Indoors
- Seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost.
- Plant the brussel sprout seed about a half inch below the surface of the soil.
Outdoors
- Plant ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart.
- Thin plants to 12-24 inches apart when they reach 6 inches tall.
Transplanting
- Begin hardening off at least 10 days before you plan to transplant.
- Space 12-24″ apart in rows spaced 2 feet apart.
Harvest
- When Brussel Sprouts get to be 1 inch in diameter, harvest from the bottom stalks.
- You can store brussels sprouts in a loose plastic bag for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Do not wash until you are ready to use it.
- You can blanch and freeze broccoli for up to one year. Great when you have a surplus!
Growing Tips
- Keep your watering consistent. This is so important for the growth of plants!
- Brussel Sprouts roots stay near the surface of the soil so use mulch for weeds rather than pulling them and disturbing the root system.
Pests to Watch For:
- Aphids
- Downy Mildew
- Flea Beetles
- Whiteflies
- Clubroot
- Cabbage Root Maggots
- White Mold
