How to grow Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera)

A long-season treat, sweetened by frost.

Brussels sprouts need a long, cool season and actually taste best after a frost or two. Start early, be patient, and harvest from the bottom up through fall and into winter.

Grow Brussels Sprouts with step-by-step help for your exact yard.

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Brussels Sprouts at a glance

Sun	Full sun
Soil pH	6.0–7.0
Spacing	24 in
Harvest	90–110 days
Plant	Late spring
Note	Sweeter after frost

How to grow Brussels Sprouts, step by step

Start early
- They need a long season — start indoors and set out sturdy plants.
- Space 24 in in rich, firm soil.
Feed & stake
- Tall stalks are heavy — stake in windy spots.
- Steady feeding and water grow tight sprouts.
Harvest bottom-up
- Pick sprouts from the bottom as they firm to marble/walnut size.
- Frost sweetens them — harvest into early winter.

Brussels Sprouts problems & fixes

Brussels Sprouts — Loose, leafy sprouts: what's wrong and how do I fix it?

Heat or loose soil. Grow into cool fall; firm the soil at planting.

Brussels Sprouts — Aphids tucked in sprouts: what's wrong and how do I fix it?

Blast with water; encourage ladybugs; soak picked sprouts before cooking.

Brussels Sprouts — Plant topples: what's wrong and how do I fix it?

Top-heavy in wind. Stake the stalk and hill soil at the base.

Recommended brussels sprouts varieties

Long Island Improved — All-rounder. The dependable heirloom standard.
Hestia — Uniform. Tidy, even sprouts up the stalk.
Red Bull — Red. Purple-red sprouts; pretty and sweet.

Brussels Sprouts month-by-month

January	Harvest stragglers.
February	Plan; order seed.
March	Start transplants indoors.
April	Pot up seedlings.
May	Transplant out.
June	Plants grow tall.
July	Keep fed and watered.
August	Stalks bulk up.
September	Sprouts begin to firm.
October	Harvest bottom-up after frost.
November	Keep harvesting into cold.
December	Last sprouts.

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