Brussels Sprouts
One of the most cold-hardy of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts will survive freezes that ruin most other winter vegetables. One of the easiest brassicas to grow successfully, their vigorous root systems and lower fertility requirements make sprouts something the family can depend on to grace the table even in late Winter.
Culture
The secret to a good sprout harvest is a proper planting date. A sowing date of June 1 and a transplant date of July 1 works the best here in the maritime Northwest. Space plants 24 x 24 inches and otherwise grow like broccoli. Cool temperatures during sprout development are important for compact, quality buds. Excess nitrogen can cause discolored, loose buds.
Insects
Control aphids with a hard spray of water which knocks them off the leaves for a week or so. Late varieties won't form many sprouts in summer, so there is much less chance of severe aphid damage. The aphid population usually drops radically after the first frosts. To control cabbage maggot, flea beetles, and symphylans see cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Disease
Cole crops are all vulnerable to fungal and viral diseases. The best prevention is to practice crop rotations, and use clean starting mixes and outdoor seedbeds. We are happy to answer any questions.
Harvest
High quality sprouts should be bright green, firm, and well-formed. Begin picking at the bottom, breaking off a leaf below the sprout, then removing the sprout. The upper sprouts will continue to mature as the lower ones are harvested. On later-maturing varieties (115+ days) it's important not to take off the leaves, as they protect the plant from Winter rains. For a once-over harvest, pinch out the growing point at the top of the stem when the lower sprouts are 1/2 - 3/4 inch in diameter. A full stem of full-sized sprouts will develop in about 2 weeks. Sprouts are sweeter after moderate freezes. High quality, fresh sprouts will store for approximately 3 - 4 weeks at 32F.
Brussel Sprout Types
- Lunet
- 115 days from planting to harvest. Medium-large, firm sprouts have excellent appearance and very good flavor. Lunet consistently produces the highest yield. For harvesting November/December.
- Bubbles
- 110 days from planting to harvest. This variety demonstrated excellent field holding ability, which ensures gardeners an extended harvest. Bubbles' dark green, round 1-2 inch sprouts and are very well placed on the stem. Tolerant to powdery mildew.
- Vincent
- 200 days from planting to harvest. The dark green, round, well-spaced sprouts are protected from harsh Winter conditions by an excellent leaf cover. Sturdy plants are 22 inches tall.
- Prince Marvel
- 76 days from planting to harvest. Small, extremely hard sprouts mature early but take Winter weather well for an early type. For harvesting October through December.
- Red Rubine
- 85 days from planting to harvest. A gourmet special for your table. Good yields of deep purple-red sprouts with a wonderful rich old time flavor. This heirloom is not often seen in the garden. A striking addition to any vegetable patch. Performs best when planted early.
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