Brussel sprouts

Overview

Brussels Sprouts are a first class winter vegetable, having originated from colder climates. They taste better from garden after an autumn frost than those bought from a shop.

Varieties to choose (all sold by Kings Seeds)

• ‘Early Half Tall’: plants are normally small but generally grow quick.
• ‘Wellington F1’: normally harvest December through to March
• ‘Cascade F1’: normally medium height plants, good for sites which are exposed.

How to grow

Brussels sprouts should be sown in pots or trays filled with a good quality seed compost during early March to mid April in a cold frame (a mini greenhouse). Sow the seed ½ inch/15mms deep and prick out singly when large enough to handle into 3ins/9cms pots filled with good quality potting compost. In the open ground sow the seed ½ ins/15mms deep in short rows 6ins/15cms apart. Thin the developing seedlings to 3ins/75mms apart and transplant them to their final position when 6 leaves have formed.  Water every 10 days – 14 days when it’s warm and dry, make sure the plants are supported against high winds by tying to a short stake.

 

They are generally ready to plant at the start of May till the end of June depending on when sown.

How to Harvest

Brussels sprouts can be harvested from mid November (after the first hard autumn frost) until the following March.

Issues

Club root or “finger and toe disease” is quite common in the Cruciferae family. The roots become swollen and distorted burn all infected plants to stop the disease spreading. It is caused by soils with  poor drainage and with an low p.H (acid).  Take steps to improve the drainage and raise the p.H. to around 7.5 by liming.  Never accept gifts of plants from fellow gardeners they may be carrying the disease.

 

Cabbage root flies feed on the roots of all brassicas causing the plants to collapse. The female lays her eggs about 3ins/75mms from the stem of the plants. The eggs hatch producing maggots that will eat their way along the roots to emerge later in the season. A flat layer of carpet underlay or damp proof course at least 6ins/15cms in diameter will force the eggs to be laid too far away from the plant for the maggots  to survive.