Growing & Caring for Brussel Sprouts

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
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