Brussels sprouts. You either love them or hate them. But did you know they are the same species as kale and collard greens?
They make a large portion of the Gemmifera group of the Brassica oleracea species (within the mustard family) which also includes crucifers such cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kohlrabi. They look like miniature cabbages because, well, they kind of are miniature cabbages – although they grow a bit differently.
Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop and best grow in a temperature range of 45–75 °F and can benefit from a frost which often makes the sprouts sweeter.
Instead of one central head, the brussels sprout plant produces a two to four-foot central stem from which the little heads grow in a helical pattern around the stalk. They are normally harvested in a home garden by picking five to fifteen of the buds at a time on each plant which allows the smaller ones to grow to full size. Most varieties can be harvested two to three times in a season producing 2 ½ – 3 ½ pounds of sprouts.
Brussels can be a bit tricky to grow and get a good harvest. But with our advice here at Gardener’s Path, you should be able to produce a nice crop and avoid pest and disease issues by providing your plants with proper growing environment for them to thrive. Get started by reading our in-depth guides below. Happy gardening!
Are you a fan of Brussels sprouts? Gotten over your childhood hatred of the green gems? Homegrown sprouts taste even better than the ones you’ll find at the store. They’re challenging to grow, but the flavor is well worth the effort. Don’t be discouraged, find your way to success with sprouts now in this guide.
Growing brussels sprouts is a challenge, and understanding when and how to prune is part of the puzzle. Should you cut the tops off, and when? Is pruning the lower leaves necessary? Plus, studies have shown pruning at the wrong time can ruin your harvest. This guide has all the details you need to do it right.
Your brussels sprout heads were starting to form and you were already dreaming of roasting those tasty nuggets in butter when things went south. The heads started to open, or they became loose and poorly formed. What went wrong? What can you do to fix it? We’ll help you to troubleshoot and fix the problem in this guide.
No one wants to lose their harvest to pathogens. Brussels sprout diseases can range from cosmetic to deadly, and knowing which is which and how to deal with them is key to a successful harvest. This guide helps you handle the most common diseases, and includes tips on how to avoid them in the first place. Read more.
As any adult knows, brussels sprouts are absolutely marvelous. Sadly, pests seem to agree. They won’t hesitate to take a nibble out of your plants. Not only can they threaten your harvest by harming your sprouts, they can spread diseases too. Don’t let it happen to you. We’ll show you how to identify and stop them.
Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 and their flavor is improved by a light frost. But what about if a heavy freeze is in the forecast? Learn how to protect your brussels sprouts and enjoy a fresh winter harvest in this guide. Read more now.
Looking for a type of brussels sprout that won’t tip over in the wind, or one that won’t succumb to deadly mildew? How about a cultivar with tiny buds that are perfect for freezing? No matter what you’re looking for, we have 15 of the best varieties of brussels sprouts to share that are sure to suit your needs.
Are you growing brussels sprouts in your garden and wondering how best to harvest them? There’s nothing better than a homegrown sprout, fresh off the stalk. Learn when to pick them for the sweetest flavor and the different ways to go about it – plus some maintenance tips to ensure you get the best crop. Read more now.