Brussel sprouts belong to the cabbage family and love cool weather. They improve in quality and taste after a light frost. They mature in 80 – 100 days and produce several sprouts along a single, upwards-reaching stem. To grow Brussel sprouts, you have to pass through the following growing stages:
1) Planting
Brussels sprout seeds can either be started indoors or can be planted directly into the ground. Due to their long growing cycle, it is best to plant them approximately 3 months before the autumn first-frost date.
Timing is an important factor. Thus, be sure of the planting time of your area. Choose a plant site having full sun and well-drained soil for the healthy growth and development of your plants.
Seeds tend to germinate at temperatures ranging between 45°F – 85°F. Seedlings emerge within 5 – 8 days.
Read also: How Tall Do Brussels Sprouts Grow?
2) Early Growth
Give your Brussel sprouts proper care during their early development as it is essential for their healthy growth. When your sprouts are 4 – 5 inches tall, thin the seedlings.
This is done by pulling up all but the healthiest young plants; giving an allowance of 14 – 24 inches between stems. Apply mulch around young sprout plants so as to help them retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Brussels sprout plants begin the development of small cabbage-like top leaves. When the paints are 12 inches high, give them a fertilizer boost.
3) Sprout Formation
Brussel sprout formation starts about 50 days following planting. The sprouts are identical to miniature cabbages and will form where each leaf joins the center stalk which is at the leaf axil.
The first sprouts come up close to the plant base and then upwards along the trunk. For faster growth, remove the top growing peak from the plant when sprouts have formed about 10 – 12 inches from the base.
In the absence of this extra foliage, the plant can maximize its resources for the development of mature sprouts. As sprouts grow, remove lower leaves so as to prevent the sprouts from crowding each other.
Harvesting of Brussel sprouts can begin as soon as they are marble-sized; although, more flavor-filled sprouts are seen to be closer to golf-ball sized. The yellowing of larger plant leaves is another indicator that the sprouts are ready for harvesting.
Related: Learn about Brussel Sprouts Growing Problems
4) Harvesting
On the basis of the variety, Brussels sprouts are harvested after 90 – 10) days. It is expected that the sprout should be about 1 – 2 inches in diameter with tight green leaves.
To harvest, start from the bottom of the plant upwards. Sprouts left on the plant will continue their growth and then, mature. Brussel sprouts love cool weather but can develop slow growth in colder temperatures.
Read also: Are Brussel Sprouts Hard to Grow?
Conclusion
Growing Brussel sprouts is not tedious. Brussel sprouts are tolerant of frost, love cool weather, and provided that all the requirements are provided, the sprouts develop healthy growth and development.
I hope you find this article helpful. I would like to hear from you. So, let me know if you have any questions about the Brussel sprouts growing stages.
