Ultimate Brussels Sprouts growing guide: Are they perennial? If you’re a fan of Brussels sprouts, you’ll be happy to know that growing them can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you’re new to gardening or just trying your hand at a new veggie, Brussels sprouts are a great addition to your garden. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing Brussels sprouts and answer the big question: Are they perennial?
What Are Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts are part of the brassica family, which includes other popular vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and kale. They grow tall, leafy stalks with little sprouts that look like mini cabbages clustered around the stem. These tiny bundles of goodness pack a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition, making them a favorite for many.
Are Brussels Sprouts Perennial?
Let’s get right to the heart of the question: Are Brussels sprouts perennial?
The simple answer is no, Brussels sprouts are not perennial. They are typically grown as biennials, which means they have a two-year life cycle. In the first year, they focus on growing tall and producing sprouts, and in the second year, they flower and produce seeds.
However, in cold climates, they are often grown as annuals because frost or freezing temperatures can kill them off before their second year. If you’re in a milder climate, you might be able to overwinter them and get a second season of sprouts, but this can be tricky.
Growing Brussels Sprouts: Step by Step
1. Choose the Right Variety
There are several varieties of Brussels sprouts to choose from, and your climate will play a big role in which one works best. Some popular varieties include:
- ‘Jade Cross’ – An early variety that’s great for cooler climates.
- ‘Long Island Improved’ – A compact plant that grows well in smaller spaces.
- ‘Red Rubine’ – A purple variety with a unique color and slightly sweeter flavor.
Make sure to pick a variety that fits your growing zone and space.
2. Start With Seeds or Seedlings
You can start Brussels sprouts from seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. If you’re buying seedlings, aim to transplant them into the garden when they’re about 4-6 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed.
Plant seeds or seedlings about 18-24 inches apart to give each plant enough room to grow.
The best time to plant Brussels sprouts depends on your climate and when you want to harvest. For a fall harvest (which is ideal since the sprouts taste sweeter after a frost), here’s a general guideline:
- In cooler climates (zones 3-6): Start seeds indoors in early spring, about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant them outside in late spring (April to May).
- In warmer climates (zones 7-10): Start seeds in mid- to late summer (July to August) for a fall or winter harvest.
Brussels sprouts take a long time to mature (about 80-100 days), so planting at the right time helps ensure they’re ready when the cooler weather hits!
3. Sun and Soil Requirements
Brussels sprouts love full sun, so make sure to pick a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. As for soil, they prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Before planting, work in some compost or well-rotted manure to give the soil a nutrient boost. They are heavy feeders, so this step is important!
4. Watering and Mulching
Brussels sprouts need consistent moisture to thrive, especially as they grow. Water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Adding mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay.
5. Fertilizing
When it comes to feeding your Brussels sprouts, they love a good boost of nutrients! These plants are heavy feeders, so giving them the right fertilizer is key for a healthy crop.
Start by mixing compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. Once your Brussels sprouts are growing, use a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) every 4 weeks. Nitrogen is especially important since it helps the plants develop strong leaves and stems, which are needed for sprout production.
Manure compost can burn Brussels sprouts plants if it’s not properly aged or if you apply too much. Fresh manure contains high levels of nitrogen, which can be too strong for plants and cause “burning” by damaging their roots and leaves. This often results in yellowing, stunted growth, or even plant death.
To avoid this:
- Use well-rotted or aged manure that has decomposed for at least 6 months to a year. This reduces the risk of burning.
- Mix manure compost into the soil before planting, giving it time to integrate with the soil.
- Avoid over-application. A thin layer or moderate amount worked into the soil is enough to give Brussels sprouts a nutrient boost without overwhelming them.
Always err on the side of caution with fresh or highly concentrated fertilizers.
For an extra boost, side-dress with compost mid-season or apply a fish emulsion fertilizer. This will help keep your plants happy and your sprouts growing! Just make sure to follow package instructions so you don’t overdo it.
6. Pest and Disease Control
Brussels sprouts are prone to the same pests as other brassicas, such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Keep an eye out for these and take action early, either by hand-picking pests or using organic methods like neem oil.
Diseases like clubroot or powdery mildew can also be an issue. Good crop rotation and proper spacing can help prevent these problems.
7. Harvesting Brussels Sprouts
The exciting part! Brussels sprouts are typically ready for harvest 80-100 days after planting. The sprouts form from the bottom of the stalk upwards, so start harvesting when they’re about 1-2 inches in diameter. Pick the lower sprouts first and let the upper ones continue to develop.
If you wait until after the first frost, the cold can actually improve their flavor, making them sweeter and less bitter.
Can You Get a Second Harvest?
While Brussels sprouts aren’t perennial, there are ways to extend your harvest. If you leave the stalks in the ground after harvesting the sprouts, they might produce a secondary crop of smaller sprouts or leafy greens. This isn’t guaranteed, but it’s worth a shot!
Final Thoughts
Brussels sprouts may not be perennial, but with the right care, you can enjoy a long growing season and plenty of tasty sprouts. They’re a bit of a slow grower, but once they start producing, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest.
Now that you’re armed with everything you need to know, it’s time to get planting! Whether you’re a fan of roasting them or tossing them into a salad, fresh Brussels sprouts from your garden will always taste better than store-bought ones. Happy gardening!
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