How to Grow Brussels Sprouts

Here are the top tips for growing Brussels sprouts. For more detailed information, keep reading below.

• Timing: Brussels sprouts are a cool-weather crop and grow best when planted 13-16 weeks before your first expected fall frost.
• Sunlight: Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
• Soil: Create a nutrient-rich environment by preparing in-ground and raised beds with Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil or outdoor containers with Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix. 
• Spacing: Space young Brussels sprout plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
• Water & Food: Keep soil consistently moist. Begin feeding your plants with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food one month after planting.
• Harvesting: Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk up when they are firm and 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

Brussels sprouts have made a comeback as the "it" food during the winter season. Gone are the days of mushy, bland sprouts; today's chefs and home cooks are all about roasting them to crispy perfection. Sure, you can buy Brussels sprouts at the store, but they're so easy to grow that it's worth making space in your garden to raise your own. Here's how to grow Brussels sprouts.

When and Where to Plant Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts develop their best flavor when they mature in cool weather, which makes them a perfect crop for a fall or winter harvest. Plant young transplants in the garden 13-16 weeks before your area's first expected fall frost. If you want to start from seed, plan on starting them indoors 6-8 weeks before you intend to move the seedlings into the garden. Because the goal is a sweet-tasting sprout harvest, spring planting isn't recommended, as the summer heat can cause the sprouts to taste bitter. 

These vegetables thrive in full sun and in rich, consistently moist soil. Because Brussels sprouts and other plants in the cabbage family (like kale or broccoli) are susceptible to soil-borne diseases, it's a good idea to practice crop rotation. Don't plant Brussels sprouts where you last grew anything in the cabbage family. 

To prepare your garden for planting, improve the soil by mixing a 3-inch layer of Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil in with the top 6 inches of existing soil. Fill raised beds with the same soil. If you’re growing Brussels sprouts in outdoor containers, use Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix.



How to Plant Brussels Sprouts

While you can grow Brussels sprouts from seed, it's often easier to get a jumpstart on the season by planting young plants, such as those from Bonnie Plants.

• For in-ground and raised beds: space the young plants 18 to 24 inches apart. If you decide to grow your Brussels sprouts from seed, sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, 4 inches apart in rows. It takes seeds up to a week to sprout. Thin seedlings to 1- to 2-feet apart after they have two sets of leaves. 
• For containers: choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide (or larger) for each plant.

Water thoroughly after planting, then add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of each plant to help the soil retain moisture and keep weeds from growing.

How to Care for Brussels Sprout Plants 

With a little attention to watering and feeding, your plants will be on their way to a great harvest. Brussels sprout plants have shallow, spreading roots, so be careful when weeding or tending near the base of the plant.

• Watering: Regular water is the key to a big harvest. If the soil gets too dry, the sprouts can shrivel and may not develop fully. Check the soil regularly and water whenever the top inch is dry.
• Feeding: A month after planting, begin feeding your plants. Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food is an excellent choice as it will deliver continuous food for your plants for up to 3 months. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
• Staking: You don't need to stake your plants right away. However, if you find that maturing plants are getting top-heavy and flopping over, stake each one individually with a sturdy stake and a loose piece of twine.
• Pest Control: Brussels sprouts are particularly susceptible to cabbage worms. Check your plants regularly and simply remove the worms by hand. Another option is to dust plants with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) throughout the growing season, making sure to follow directions on the product label and reapply after rain.

When to Harvest Brussels Sprouts

After about 80-90 days, the sprouts will begin to ripen from the ground up. Snip off sprouts with garden shears or pruners when they are firm and 1-2 inches in diameter, starting at the bottom of the plant and working your way up. As the plant matures, some leaves may turn yellow; simply snip them off. Store unwashed Brussels sprouts in your refrigerator.

How to Use Brussels Sprouts in Your Kitchen

The old-fashioned method of boiling Brussels sprouts is out! The most popular way to cook them today is by roasting, but you can also air fry, grill, or sauté them. Add some bacon, and you've got a side dish that might just become the star of your meal.

Enjoy the rich, nutty flavor that comes from roasting your very own homegrown Brussels sprouts. The reward for your minimal effort in the garden is a delicious, garden-fresh side dish that might just steal the show.