When to Plant Brussels Sprouts?

Brussels sprouts, or Brussels sprouts, are a true winter vegetable and can produce surprisingly well from your own garden. But when exactly do you plant them, and what should you keep in mind to ensure a bountiful harvest? Below, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to choose the right planting time and what else is important.

When is the best time to sow Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are usually not sown directly in the ground, but are pre-sown first. The timing varies by season and climate, but generally, you can follow the following guidelines:

• Pre-sowing under glass: from the end of February to the end of April
• Sow outdoors in seedbeds: from April to early June

The earlier you sow, the sooner you'll have robust plants that can develop into beautiful sprouts in time. Sowing too late often results in small plants and few sprouts in winter.

When can you plant Brussels sprouts in the open ground?

After sowing seeds, it's important to transplant the seedlings at the right time. Generally, you can follow these guidelines:

• Transplanting pre-sown sprouts:
• Planting out in the vegetable garden:

Make sure the soil has warmed up sufficiently and that no more severe night frosts are expected. Sturdy plants can often tolerate a light night frost, but prolonged cold will stunt growth.

How do you choose the right location for Brussels sprouts?

Where you plant your Brussels sprouts has a significant impact on yield and quality. When planting, consider the following:

• Sunlight: Brussels sprouts grow best in full sun or light partial shade
• Soil type: well-drained, nutritious clay or loam soil is preferred
• pH value: slightly calcareous soil (pH around 6.5–7) helps prevent diseases such as clubroot
• Wind: a sheltered spot prevents blowing over, but some air circulation is necessary to prevent mold

To reduce disease pressure, avoid planting Brussels sprouts in a location where cabbage crops have grown in recent years.

How far apart do you plant Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts grow quite large. Space is needed for sturdy stems and good air circulation. Therefore, maintain these spacings:

• Row spacing: approximately 60–70 cm between rows
• Planting distance: approximately 50–60 cm between the plants in the row

If you plant them closer together, the sprouts may remain smaller and the risk of fungal diseases increases.

Which varieties do you determine when planting Brussels sprouts?

The choice of variety also determines the harvest period and therefore the ideal planting time. Generally speaking, there are:

• Early varieties: harvest from late September to November
• Mid-season varieties: harvest in late autumn
• Late varieties: harvest from December to sometimes February/March

Check the seed packet for the recommended sowing and planting period for your chosen variety. If you want to enjoy Brussels sprouts for a long time, you can combine different varieties so you can harvest for several months in a row.

How do you prepare the soil before planting Brussels sprouts?

Good soil preparation is essential for strong plants and high yields. Consider:

• Deep tillage: dig or till the soil in the spring so that roots can grow deep
• Organic fertilization: work well-rotted compost or manure into the topsoil in the spring
• Additional nutrition: Brussels sprouts are high consumers, so additional organic fertilizer for cabbage is useful.
• Liming: If the soil is acidic, spreading lime in winter or early spring can help

Don't over-fertilize with nitrogen-rich fertilizer later in the season; this will result in a lot of leaves and less firm sprouts.

How do you plant Brussels sprouts step by step?

Once you've chosen the right time and location, you can start planting. Here's how:

1. Loosen the soil and level the surface.
2. Draw straight rows with the desired distance.
3. Make planting holes large enough for the root ball.
4. Plant the sprouts slightly deeper than they were in the pot, for more stability.
5. Press the soil firmly around the roots so that the plant is not loose.
6. Provide plenty of water immediately after planting.
7. If necessary, you can place a stick next to the plant in windy places for support.

How do you care for Brussels sprouts after planting?

The period after transplanting determines how well the sprouts develop. Pay attention to:

• Watering: provide sufficient water, especially during the first few weeks, and then only during prolonged droughts.
• Weeding: removing weeds so that the plants do not get competition
• Earthing up: later in the season, pull some soil around the trunk to prevent it from blowing over
• Extra fertilization: a gentle organic fertilization in mid-summer can help

Check the plants regularly for pests and diseases so that you can intervene in time.

What pests and diseases should you watch out for with Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are susceptible to several typical cabbage pests and diseases. Common ones include:

• Cabbage root fly: causes damage to the roots; if necessary, use cabbage collars around the trunk
• Cabbage white (caterpillars): these eat the leaves; netting or regularly checking and removing them helps
• Clubroot: a soil fungus that produces swollen roots; crop rotation and calcareous soil are important
• Aphids: can gather in cabbages; encourage natural enemies such as ladybirds

A healthy, strong plant can often withstand some damage better, so good soil and plant care is the basis of prevention.

When can you harvest Brussels sprouts after planting?

The time between planting and harvest depends on the variety and weather conditions, but on average it takes:

• From planting to first harvest: approximately 3 to 5 months

Harvest from the bottom up: the lowest, well-filled sprouts are ready first. You can use the top of the plant later as a "cabbage" by harvesting and preparing it whole.

Why is planting time so important for the taste of Brussels sprouts?

The best Brussels sprouts are often harvested after some cold, even a light frost. This makes them sweeter and less bitter. By sowing and planting early, you ensure the sprouts are large enough to be picked in late autumn and winter, just when their flavor is at its peak.

By paying close attention to sowing and planting times, choosing the right location, and caring for your plants well throughout the season, you can enjoy hearty, flavorful Brussels sprouts from your own garden. Planning the season ahead, choosing suitable varieties, and giving your sprouts time to grow undisturbed is the key to a successful Brussels sprout harvest.