When Are Brussels Sprouts Ready to Pick?

Harvesting Time

• The Brussels sprouts plant resembles a palm tree with the tiny, cabbage-like sprouts growing on the trunk or the stem. Each plant produces anywhere from 50 to 100 sprouts. The sprouts start to mature from the bottom of the stem and are ready to pick when they are 1 to 2 inches in diameter, dark green in color and easily snap away from the stem. Harvest up the stem as the sprouts mature and remove the bottom leaves as the sprouts are harvested.

Planting Time

• The recommended time to transplant Brussels sprouts is during early to midsummer. Space the transplants 16 to 24 inches apart in rows with row spacing at 2 to 3 feet. If growing Brussels sprouts from seed, sow the seeds 4 inches apart at a depth of 1/2 inch. Thin seedlings to 16 to 24 inches. Do not plant Brussels sprouts near strawberries, lettuce or tomatoes.

Site

• Plant Brussels sprouts in areas of full sun and in well-drained, fertile soil with a preferred pH of 5.5 to 6.5. According to the University of Nebraska Extension Office, Brussels sprouts require heavy and regular application of fertilizer in order to thrive. After 2 to 4 weeks after planting, or when plants are about 1 foot tall, apply 1 tbsp. ammonium nitrate as side dressing for every 20 feet of row. Fertilize the plants again when the buds start to appear. Keep the plants well watered for optimal growth, applying deep water to the plant base once a week.

Problems

• Brussels sprouts often grow in the form of loose tufts of leaves rather than compact, firm heads. The University of Nebraska Extension Office reports that this is a frequently encountered problem when temperatures are too high at the time of sprout maturation. The remedy is to plant late in the season to allow the buds to start maturing during cooler temperatures in later summer or fall. Loose sprouts are also a problem when manure is added to soil right before planting. Amend the soil well before planting time with manure in order to remedy the problem.