Brussels sprouts can be a tricky one to grow, but are absolutely worth the effort for the bountiful nutrient rich sprouts they provide, and the amazing looking, tree-like plant.
When to sow: Sow undercover in seed trays from February to March, then plant out after 4-6 weeks, in April or May. They can take a long time to mature (up to 7 months!) so the earlier the better once the weather starts to cool!
Spacing: These plants can get quite large, so space them 45-60cm apart.
Light conditions: They prefer a bit of shade!
Growing tips: Brussels sprouts are top heavy, so should be planted in firm soil and in a spot sheltered from strong winds. It can be helpful to mound soil up around their base after about a month of growing in order to support them further. Keep them well fertilised as, like other brassicas, they need quite a lot of nutrients to produce well. Many people remove the lower leaves as the plant grows, so that the plant puts more energy into the sprouts rather than the leaves.
Pests: Watch out for the dreaded cabbage moth, a problem for all brassicas here in Melbourne. Ideally, net your plants early so that the moths cannot get in to lay their eggs in the first place. If they do, you will need to remove the destructive caterpillars by hand or use some kind of spray (e.g. garlic and rhubarb) to fight them off.
Companion plants: Celery, onions, rhubarb, dill, sage, chamomile
Not compatible with: Strawberries, mustard
When to sow: Sow undercover in seed trays from February to March, then plant out after 4-6 weeks, in April or May. They can take a long time to mature (up to 7 months!) so the earlier the better once the weather starts to cool!
Spacing: These plants can get quite large, so space them 45-60cm apart.
Light conditions: They prefer a bit of shade!
Growing tips: Brussels sprouts are top heavy, so should be planted in firm soil and in a spot sheltered from strong winds. It can be helpful to mound soil up around their base after about a month of growing in order to support them further. Keep them well fertilised as, like other brassicas, they need quite a lot of nutrients to produce well. Many people remove the lower leaves as the plant grows, so that the plant puts more energy into the sprouts rather than the leaves.
Pests: Watch out for the dreaded cabbage moth, a problem for all brassicas here in Melbourne. Ideally, net your plants early so that the moths cannot get in to lay their eggs in the first place. If they do, you will need to remove the destructive caterpillars by hand or use some kind of spray (e.g. garlic and rhubarb) to fight them off.
Companion plants: Celery, onions, rhubarb, dill, sage, chamomile
Not compatible with: Strawberries, mustard