brussel sprouts

Plant Height   

Up to 90cm/3ft

Time between sowing and harvesting

About 28-36 weeks

Where to Sow   

Outdoors in a seed bed

Sowing time  

 Late March-April  - temperature   +10C/50F. 

How to Sow   

12mm/1/2" deep - very thinly - in rows 15cm/6" apart or in groups/ blocks

After Germination   

Start thinning plants as soon as they can be easily handled to prevent them becoming weak and spindly. Finally thin to 7.5cm/3" apart.

Growing on -  in Pots   

Not recommended

Growing on- in ground   

Once the plants are 7.3cm/3" tall, transplant to final growing positions planting them firmly with the lowest leaves just above soil level. and spacing the plants 60cm/2ft  apart in rows or groups/ blocks.

Aftercare   

Water in dry weather and foliar feed in early summer. Pull  surround earth up around the base of each plant during the growing season and stake plants.

Harvesting   

Cropping starts in about September and can continue over a period of up to 20  weeks. Begin picking sprouts from the base of the stem when they are the size of a small walnut. Remove any open "blown" sprouts and discard. Only pick a few sprouts from each plant at any one time, working upwards. Once all the sprouts have been harvested, cut off the green leafy tops and cook like cabbage.