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Holly's Homestead — Brassica

Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Moderate–hard
TYPE Annual, seedling
MATURITY 90–120 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Consistent, deep
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
60–75cm
Depth
as per seedling

01A long, cool-season crop

Sprouts form along a tall central stem over months, maturing from the bottom up. Cold actually improves flavour — a light frost sweetens the sprouts nicely.

02Planting

Method
Transplant seedlings, staked in exposed spots as they grow tall.
Soil
Rich, firm, well-drained.
Timing
Plant in late summer to early autumn for a winter harvest in most zones.

03Growing care

  • Firm soil well at planting — loose soil produces loose, open sprouts.
  • Stake tall plants in windy positions.
  • Remove yellowing lower leaves as the plant matures.
  • Pick sprouts from the bottom up as they firm.

04Problems

  • Cabbage moth — net or hand-pick.
  • Aphids — cluster under leaves and between sprouts; hose off.
  • Loose, open sprouts — loose soil or too much nitrogen; firm soil well.
  • Clubroot — rotate beds, keep pH up.

05Harvest & storage

Signs
Sprouts are firm and tight, walnut-sized, starting from the base.
Method
Snap or cut sprouts individually from the bottom up.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, 1–2 weeks; can also stay on the stalk in cold weather.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
OnionCeleryBeans
Avoid nearby
TomatoStrawberry
Rotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle.