Brussel sprout varieties can have a different time to harvest but generally require similar care across the board. Part of growing Brussel sprouts seeds is the perk of having many options to choose from. Brussel sprouts enjoy growing in cold weather and often benefit from a frost or freeze right before harvest to bring out a sweeter, more developed flavor. The time it takes to grow Brussel sprouts from seed depends on the variety, though generally speaking, from seedling to harvest, it can take between 90-120 days. How Long Do Brussel Sprouts Take to Grow? They can be started in the ground where you intend to grow them, or go ahead and sow the sprouts in pots to be later transplanted outdoors, especially if you have a variety that takes longer to grow. The information on seed packets can be used to work backward to a starting date to start the seedlings.
Generally, these are cold-weather plants that can be grown in colder weather as long as the full sun is available. When to plant Brussel sprouts depends on the climate and variety used. Pruning will occur while your plant is maturing, so remove any lateral branches that form to help re-focus your plant’s energy on growing the sprouts. Keep the sprouts watered and fertilized, especially through the early growth stage, and your hard work and efforts will pay off early to mid-winter when you have a bountiful brussel sprout harvest. Prune any bottom sprouts or yellowing sprouts as they grow to keep them off the ground. Adding mulch or organic compost to your seedlings can help retain moisture and aid in growth, respectively. Choose an area in your garden that can get at least 6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth.
Plant the 2-3 seeds at about ½ inch (1cm) depth in your potting medium. Start your seeds outside 6-10 weeks before the first frost or 4 weeks before the last frost to start indoors.Some varieties with longer growing periods may need some planning, but overall, planting Brussel sprouts seeds, pruning Brussel sprouts, and harvesting the sprouts is all very similar to other crops that can be grown in the garden.
How to plant Brussel sprout seeds does not differ too much from planting any other seeds. Freezing temperatures can bring out more flavor in a crop, but they will no longer grow after they’ve experienced a freeze. Depending on the variety, your sprouts are ready to harvest when they reach about 1-2 inches (3-5cm) in diameter this is likely at around the 100-day mark. The best part of this growing endeavor is harvesting. During this stage, you will want to remove the apical (top) buds to encourage faster growth. The sprout formation occurs about 50 days after planting. Fertilizing, mulching, and thinning out seedlings are all part of the early growth care checklist to ensure a bountiful and healthy harvest. Taking care of the early growth sets you up for success when the stalks reach maturity. To start your sprouts in containers, this can be done indoors, with transplanting outdoors occurring in the early to late fall months. Starting from seed, you will need to sow the seeds about three months before the first frost date if you’re starting your seeds outdoors. Brussel sprouts growing stages are straightforward but with a bit of a twist. Follow along to learn how to grow Brussel sprouts from seed, care tips throughout the growing season, and what problems you might encounter, along with their solutions.īrussel sprouts rebel against the typical seed-seedling-flowering-harvest guide that most plants subscribe to, though they don’t necessarily stray too far. Growing Brussel sprouts from seed doesn’t have to be daunting, and it can open your eyes to all the varieties available to grow in your backyard. However, fresh from the garden, they are sure to be able to turn even the most staunch Brussel-hater into a major cruciferous fan. A polarizing vegetable, you either love or hate Brussel sprouts.