Brussels Sprouts
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Learn how to care for Brussels sprouts along with its history and classification details.
Hardiness Zone: 3-10
Soil Type: Neutral to slightly alkaline, slightly acidic to neutral
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Annual or Perennial: Biennial
Type: Vegetable
History: Brussels sprouts are believed to originate from the city which they get their name from- Brussels, Belgium. Records trace them back to the 13th century in the Brussels area. The French coined the name in the 18th century. They are not native to the United States, and they are not know to grow in the wild.
Brussel sprouts in dreams represents the feelings of needing to act mature, or responsible for yourself.
How to Care for Brussels Sprouts
Common questions and details on how to care for Brussels sprouts.
How do I plant Brussels sprouts?
Plant Brussels sprouts 6-10 weeks before the first expected frost.
Select a site with full sun and rich soil.
Sow seeds of Brussels sprouts 3-4 inches apart or plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart.
Provide Brussels sprouts with steady, consistent moisture.
Begin fertilizing a month after planting
When is the best time to plant?
The best time to plant Brussels sprouts is 6-10 weeks before the first expected frost.
How do I propagate Brussels sprouts?
Slice Brussels sprouts, the side with a flat bottom. Get a container and fill it with one and a half inches of water. Put the bottom side of the sprout you cut out into the water. Your sprouts will grow roots from the bottom of this cutting
Can I grow Brussels sprouts in a pot?
Yes, you can grow Brussels sprouts in a pot.
How much should I water Brussel sprouts?
Brussels sprouts should be watered 1-2.5 inches of water per square food per week.
How do I care for Brussels sprouts with fertilizer?
Brussels sprouts prefer to be fertilized infrequently.
When do Brussels sprouts bloom?
Brussels sprouts will bloom in the summer.
How do I know when Brussels sprouts are ripe?
Brussels sprouts are ready once they reach about 1 – 1.5” in diameter and are still firm. This usually occurs sometime between 85-110 days after planting.
When do I harvest Brussel sprouts?
You can harvest Brussel sprouts after the first frost and continue into early winter in cold-winter regions.
What is the best way to store Brussels sprouts?
It is best to keep your Brussels sprouts loose in a bowl and cover with a food-safe plastic wrap
Is a Brussels sprouts a fruit or a vegetable?
Brussels sprouts are a vegetable.
Should I plant any companion plants?
Brussels sprouts grow well with beets.
What are the health benefits of the Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts can help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprout
Brussels sprouts are delicious, if they are cooked correctly. The acid in this recipe help to pull out the flavor of the Brussels sprouts really well.
A fruit is a vegetable with looks and money. Plus, if you let fruit rot, it turns into wine, something Brussels sprouts never do.
~P.J. O’Rourke