Hardy - But set transplants out in early summer counting back 16 weeks to begin harvest during the first fall frosts. Brussels Sprouts can be wintered over in areas with mild winters.
Acidity (pH) Tolerance
6.8 to 5.5 pH
Salinity (Ec) Tolerance
These plants can be heavy feeders. Transplants should be fertilized using 2 Tbsp of fertilizer 4" to the side and 4" to 6" deep by each plant.
Fertilize seed rows by banding fertilizer 3" to 4" deep and 3" to the side of each row using 1/2 pound 10,20,0 fertilizer per 10' of row.
Side dress with an ammonium nitrate fertilizer or equivalent (.5 pounds per 10 feet of row) at 6 week intervals through the summer for larger, more succulent sprouts. Fertilizer should be watered in after it has been applied.
Apply 1 to 1 1/2" of water each time the plants are watered. Be sure to supply sufficient water to the plants without creating waterlogged soil. As always, too much water is harmful.
Stress from lack of water will decrease the quality of the harvested Sprouts. Sandy soils can be supplemented with organic matter to help hold in the water.
Plant Development and Care
Brussels sprouts grow and produce best in a long, cool growing season. They are more tolerant of cold than nearly any other member of the cabbage family. Areas with warm, sunny fall days and frosty nights produce sweet, high-quality sprouts. They mature in temperatures above 80? F, the sprouts become puffy and soft. When temperatures drop below 52? F, they stop growing.
They prefer medium textured soils with adequate irrigation and fertilizer. They are not well suited for very heavy clays, oils with poor drainage. Those with heavy clay soils can compensate by amending the soil with organic matter and growing them in raised beds.
Add organic matter to provide good fertility, aeration, and water holding capacity. These vegetables grow well on sandy loam soils. They are not well suited to grow in heavy clay or soils with poor drainage. All soils will be improved with the addition of manure or other organic matter.
Germination Time (Days)
20 days at 50° F 10 days at 59° F 6 days at 68° F 5 days at 77° to 95° F