Growing Brussels Sprouts
Information provided by Michele Barson and Liz Dorrough. Photo provided by Liz Dangerfield.
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Brussels sprouts grow well in Canberra’s cool frosty winters. Brussels sprouts contain high levels of Vitamins K and C. They are delicious raw in salads, sauteed or roasted.
Site and soil
Plant in a sunny spot, about 90 cm apart for easy harvesting.
They like a rich soil so add compost, well-rotted manure, and a little lime if your soil is acidic.
Planting
For the best results, plant seeds in trays or in the ground in early Summer.
Cultivating
Plants ready to harvest are tall and easily blown over, plant seedlings firmly and quite deeply in a small depression so the soil can be mounded up around the stems as they grow. On windy sites plants may need to be staked.
Inspect plants regularly to remove aphids and caterpillars. Covering the sprout bed with veggie net or an old net curtain will deter white cabbage moths from laying their eggs on the leaves – their green caterpillars can be hard to spot.
Harvesting
Sprouts will be ready to harvest in 6-7 months.
In Canberra they are at their best just as early broccoli and cauliflowers are finishing. Start picking bite sized sprouts from the bottom of the plant while still tight and bright green.
Problems
Covering the sprout bed with veggie net or an old net curtain will deter white cabbage moths from laying their eggs on the leaves. Their green caterpillars can be hard to spot.
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