Brussels sprout plants are members of the cruciferous vegetable family, and are related to cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. They are a cool-season crop, and are typically grown in the spring or fall. Brussels sprout plants produce small, green heads that resemble miniature cabbages. The heads are typically harvested when they are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The plants grow to a height of about 2 to 3 feet, and have a spreading habit with many stems. The leaves are dark green and have a waxy texture.
Planning Your Garden With Brussels Sprouts
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Brussels sprouts are biennial. |
| USDA Zone | Brussels sprouts are hardy in USDA Zones 2-10. |
| Cold Tolerance | Brussels sprouts are cold hardy, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for brussels sprouts is 90-100 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown brussels sprout plant is about 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Brussels sprouts should be planted with 18-24 inches between each plant, and rows should be spaced 2-3 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Brussels sprouts are tolerant of full sun, but they do best in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. |
| Shade tolerance | Brussels sprouts are moderately shade tolerant. They prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. |
| Water requirements | Ideal water requirements for growing brussels sprouts include 1-2 inches of water per week. During hot weather, it is important to water more frequently to prevent the plant from wilting. Soil should also be kept evenly moist, not soggy, to promote healthy growth. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing brussels sprouts depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden space. If you are using a slow-release fertilizer, you should apply it at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden space every 4-6 weeks. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing Brussels sprouts is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Brussels Sprouts are Popular
People like to grow brussels sprouts because they are a nutritious vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals. They also have a unique flavor that can be enhanced by roasting or sautéing. Brussels sprouts are easy to grow, and can be harvested over a long period of time.
Companion Plants For Brussels Sprouts
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for brussels sprouts include:
Common Pests For Brussels Sprouts
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow brussels sprouts, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- cabbage loopers
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
