Brussels Sprouts

Plant Overview

Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) is listed in the Brassicaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a biennial commonly grown as an annual crop life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.

Plant ID

PLT-0040

Family

Brassicaceae

Plant type

Vegetable

Life cycle

Biennial commonly grown as an annual crop

Growth habit

Cool-season biennial commonly grown as an annual, forming a tall central stalk with compact edible buds along the stem

Mature height

Commonly about 2-3 feet tall, though some cultivars can grow taller

Mature spread

Commonly about 18-24 inches wide

Difficulty

Moderate

Growing Conditions

Brussels Sprouts is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep soil evenly moist during steady vegetative growth and sprout development while avoiding prolonged waterlogging. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained loam rich in organic matter with good moisture retention. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11 as an annual crop.

Hardiness zones

2-11 as an annual crop

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Fertile, well-drained loam rich in organic matter with good moisture retention

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water needs

Moderate; keep soil evenly moist during steady vegetative growth and sprout development while avoiding prolonged waterlogging

Plant spacing

Space plants roughly 18-24 inches apart, with rows about 24-36 inches apart

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable and the seed depth is About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable

Germination temperature

Brussels sprouts seed germinates well under cool to mild conditions, commonly around 60-75°F, with consistent moisture

Seed depth

About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size

Sowing method

Start seed in containers or a nursery bed for transplanting, or direct sow where the season allows; establish plants early enough to mature during cool weather

Start indoors

Optional for crops that tolerate transplanting; otherwise direct sow

Transplanting

Transplant after hardening off when temperatures suit the crop

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions

Harvest

Harvest firm sprouts when they reach usable size, usually about 1-2 inches in diameter, beginning with the lower sprouts and working upward as they mature

Propagation

Primarily propagated by seed and commonly started in containers or nursery beds before transplanting

Seed saving

Brussels sprouts are biennial and must overwinter or be replanted to flower in their second year; allow seed pods to mature and dry before collecting, and isolate flowering plants from other Brassica oleracea crops to reduce cross-pollination

Pollination

If allowed to flower in the second year, Brussels sprouts are insect-pollinated and can cross with other Brassica oleracea crops

Garden Information

Common pests

Cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, aphids, flea beetles, diamondback moth larvae, cutworms, slugs, and root maggots

Common diseases

Clubroot, downy mildew, black rot, Alternaria leaf spot, damping-off, and other brassica diseases

Uses

Edible sprouts for roasting, steaming, sautéing, grilling, casseroles, salads, and other savory dishes