Succeeding in growing Brussels sprouts

Location and soil

The Brussels sprout is a vegetable far less demanding than most cabbages. It thrives in sunlight, in moderately rich soil. It is particularly sensitive to excess nitrogen, which can result in the formation of small heads or their splitting. It is not very tolerant of soil pH, which should be between 5.6 and 6.5. In acidic soil, it is important to gradually raise this pH by adding calcium in the form of Dolomite or Lime.

In the vegetable garden, it pairs well with parsnip, courgette, and leek, but avoid planting it near chicory and black radish.

When and how to sow Brussels sprouts?

In general, Brussels sprouts are sown in March-April and planted in May-June. However, each variety has an ideal sowing period: this information is indicated on the seed packet, and it is important to refer to it. Regarding the choice of varieties, some, like ‘Jade Cross F1’, are particularly early, while others, like ‘Sanda’, are rather late: combining them will allow you to harvest over a very long period.

You can proceed with direct sowing in place or prepare young plants that will then be installed in their final position in the garden.

Preparation of Young Plants

• In a heated shelter at the end of winter, in a cold greenhouse, or in a nursery in the garden for the rest of the year, sow the seeds at a depth of 1 cm in good seed compost
• Lightly cover with compost or vermiculite
• Do not forget to keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged

When the young plants appear strong enough to be handled, transplant them into buckets if necessary, and for seedlings in a heated shelter, gradually acclimatise them to cooler temperatures before transplanting them into the garden when no frost is expected.

Direct Sowing

• In well-amended and finely worked soil, trace furrows 1 cm deep, spaced 65 cm apart
• Sow the seeds and cover them with a thin layer of fine soil
• When the seedlings are well developed, thin them out, keeping only one plant every 65 cm or so.

When and how to plant Brussels sprouts?

Preparing or purchasing young plants for transplanting is the most commonly used method. Once well-developed, the young plants are installed in the vegetable garden in their final position. They should be planted in a sunny and sheltered location, in warmed and well-prepared soil: weeded, loosened with a spade or an organic fork, and then raked with a rake to achieve fine soil.

• Space the young plants 65 cm apart in all directions (between the ranks and between each plant in the rank).
• Soak the root ball in water for a few moments before planting.
• Dig a hole, place the young plant, and cover with fine soil. The young plants are buried up to the first true leaves: new roots will form along the buried stem, ensuring better anchorage in the soil.
• As Brussels sprouts grow tall, it is advisable, in windy situations, to stake the plants.
• Water generously.
• To limit watering, we recommend mulching the soil with fine successive layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with fallen leaves.
• During the growing season, water moderately but regularly.