Wondering the possibility of growing Brussel sprouts from scraps? Yes, there’s good news! Yes, by simply sticking it in water to form roots, you can grow Brussels sprouts from scraps with little effort.
Let’s take a look at the process of growing Brussel sprouts from scraps.
Growing Brussel Sprouts from Scraps
You wash the leftover sprouts(scraps) and cut them off with the roots. Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and peel off all dead leaves while removing any remaining dirt yellowed leaves.
Cut off the bottom of the Brussels sprouts. Slice Brussels sprouts, the side with a flat bottom. Get a container and fill it with one and a half inches of water.
Put the bottom side of the sprout you cut out into the water. Your sprouts will grow roots from the bottom of this cutting.
Try not to put many sprouts in one container. You can always make use of another container if one container is not enough.
Place the container in a place where you can always remember to check your Brussel sprouts. Ensure to change the water every day.
If you notice any dead leaves floating on the water. Remove it immediately. Measure your Brussel sprouts every week, until you see that they are now about three inches tall. Then you know it’s time to move them into the garden. The transplant should take place in a sunny area between late June and early July.
Related: Learn How To Grow Brussels Sprouts From Seeds
How to Transplant the Brussel Sprouts
The first consideration should be the richness of the soil where you intend to plant your sprouts. Your Brussels sprouts will grow well in well-drained fertile soil. Testing the soil pH might be a great idea.
Your Brussel sprouts should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart from each other to enable them to grow well.
Then, place each transplant in the soil, cover the roots completely with soil. Water once every week if there is no regular rainfall. When the brussel sprout is about 12 inches tall, apply a fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, to the plant. Repeat every 4 weeks.
Tip: Learn more about transplanting plants here
Harvesting The Brussel Sprouts
You know your Brussel sprout is ready to be harvested when the small heads are hard, green and about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Brussel sprouts can be removed by twisting the sprouts until they detach from the plant.
When you nip the lower sprout and remove the yellow leaves, it will encourage the plant to continue to grow upward, producing more leaves and new sprouts. You can store your freshly harvested, unwashed Brussel sprouts in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Recommmended: there are other good vegetables that can be grown from scraps. Learn how to grow endive from scraps here. Also, learn about growing radishes from scraps here.
In Conclusion
Brussels sprout transplants look a lot like cabbage and are close relatives. As plants grow upward, they form large leaves on long stems.
The best time to try to grow Brussels sprouts from waste should be May, as the plant is usually a fall crop. You will be able to harvest Brussels sprouts about 90-100 days after you plant them for the first time.
References
- Imeeshu “Rooting Brussels Sprouts” retrieved from here
- “Regrowing Brussels Sprouts?! (Indoor Hydroponic Garden)” retrieved from here
