Brussels Sprouts are notorious for their low returns, but if you like their distinctive taste they’re worth growing – or seeking to grow in the backyard. They grow readily from seed, but are rather fussy when it comes to both weather and soil conditions. Get it right and you will receive more than a meal from every plant.
Brussels Sprouts
Indigenous to Europe, small cabbage-like Brussels Sprouts are a part of the brassica family. The truth is they are many different Brassica oleracea, as are broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, which are filled to the brim with minerals and vitamins.
Brussels Sprouts take a while to grow (as much as 26 to 30 months ) and make a crop. This is one reason it’s essential to prepare the soil really well before planting. They like a rich soil that’s high in nitrogen, so be extra careful that the manure or compost you use from the soil is well rotted. If it is not, it is going to draw nitrogen from the soil. You might choose to add bagged nitrogen or urea to accelerate the decomposition procedure. Loosen the soil and include a complete fertiliser such as 2:3:2 (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium or N-P-K) and tread the soil firmly. That’s another thing Brussels are picky about: they require a good, firm soil. They also enjoy the dirt to have an optimum pH of between 6.0 and 7.0, and therefore do a pH test and fix if needed. You can accomplish that by adding agricultural lime into the soil.
When to Plant Brussel Sprouts
In the southern hemisphere Brussels Sprouts are often propagated by seeds sown in seedbeds or seed boxes from late December until late February. In the northern hemisphere it’s more usual to sow seeds in March and April. Sow the seeds in shallow drills and cover about 10 mm of soil pushed down firmly over the seeds. These veggies prefer cool, moist growing conditions – they do not do well in hot weather – so keep them well watered while they germinate. They ought to start to pop from the floor after a week to ten days.
Your next challenge will be insect and disease management. Cabbage moths, cabbage root flies, clubroot, downy mildew and black rot are common issues. All the brassicas gain protection against being implanted near to celery, sage or rosemary, so look at this companion planting approach as opposed to reaching for chemical sprays and pesticides.
The seedlings should be planted out about a month after sowing, when they are between 75 mm and 100 mm high. Generally rows should be approximately 600 mm apart and the plants must be between 450 mm and 600 mm from one another. They grow very tall and you may want to bet them to prevent them falling and growing sideways.
Transplanting
About a month after transplanting, feed around the plants with a little 2:3:2 or 3:2:1, based upon your soil quality. You could even add liquid fertiliser (for example one made with seaweed) every two or three weeks.
Despite the fact that Brussels Sprouts do develop quite a significant root system, they also gain from getting the soil drawn up round the stem while they’re growing.
As the plants grow you will observe the sprouts beginning to grow along the stem, above each leaf. If conditions are appropriate, these can develop and around three months after being transplanted, you should be able to start picking in the base of the stem. Usually the lower leaves will begin to turn yellow when the sprouts are ready for picking and you can pull them off and harvest the vegetables. You’ll also see that the top of Brussels Sprouts plants create a mind that appears like a cabbage. If you prune off this early on, it should improve your yield of sprouts.
Conclusion
Finally, if you’re fortunate enough to have success with your sprouts, try roasting them with a sprinkling of olive oil and garlic. When cooked, top with flaked almonds which have been toasted in a pan with a little butter.
