Brussels Sprouts Seeds

• Brussels Sprouts
• The Brussels sprouts Plant
• How to Sow Brussels Sprouts
• How to Grow Brussels Sprouts
• Tips for Brussels Sprouts
• Diseases and Pests of Brussels Sprouts
• Uses and Curiosities of Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts, botanically Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera, is a variety originally from Northern Europe that stands out from all other cabbages for how it produces its edible part: not a single head but many small round axillary buds, the famous sprouts, forming along the whole stem at the base of each leaf.

The Brussels sprouts Plant

The plant develops an upright stem that can reach up to a meter in height, with large rounded leaves on long stalks branching off it. At the axil of each leaf a compact, spherical bud gradually forms, maturing to a diameter of about 2-2.5 cm, and it's this little sprout that is harvested and eaten.

How to Sow Brussels Sprouts

Sowing generally takes place from April to July, once minimum temperatures stay reliably above 10°C, in seedbeds or plug trays at a depth of about 1-2 cm. After roughly 5 weeks, once the seedlings have a few true leaves, they're ready for transplanting outdoors, spaced at least 50 cm apart with 70 cm between rows.

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts

It needs frequent watering after transplanting and more moderate watering once established, plus soil rich in organic matter with a near-neutral pH. It tolerates cold very well, allowing harvest to continue into December, with low temperatures even improving the flavor, while it dislikes intense heat and overly hot summers.

Tips for Brussels Sprouts

Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keep weeds down. Once the plant starts developing sprouts, it helps to earth up the base for extra stability. Some varieties benefit from topping the main growing point, which encourages more even ripening of the sprouts along the stem.

Diseases and Pests of Brussels Sprouts

Like other brassicas, it can be affected by alternaria leaf spot, downy mildew, basal rot and clubroot, as well as cabbage worm attacks. Crop rotation over at least a two-year cycle and companion planting with tomatoes, celery, rosemary and sage help keep the main pests away.

Uses and Curiosities of Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts are a classic ingredient of European winter cooking, delicious pan-fried, oven-roasted, or served as a side dish for festive occasions. Dwarf varieties also exist, suited to container growing on a balcony, staying compact while still producing a good yield of sprouts.