Brussel sprouts are a unique and often-misunderstood vegetable. Although they may look daunting, their cultivation is actually quite simple with a little bit of know-how. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, with just a bit of patience and knowledge, growing Brussel sprouts can be both rewarding and delicious.

The Origins and Cultivation of Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts belong to the diverse Brassica genus and share a common ancestor with cabbage. First cultivated near Brussels, Belgium around the 1580s, Brussels sprouts gradually spread across Europe over the next two centuries. Their need for cool climates initially limited broader growth.

These petite cabbage cousins arrived in England and North America during the 1800s, carried by European settlers. While their exact introduction date is unclear, historical records point to the Victorian era. Brussels sprouts thrived well in northern climates on both continents.

True to their name, Brussels sprouts form multitudes of tiny, tight heads along a single stalk. Unlike regular cabbage with one big head, sprouts grow figuratively, sprouting all along their tall stem. Varieties range in height not flavor.

While American cultivation lagged due to climate, sprouts prospered in cool northern Europe. The Netherlands pioneered commercial production methods for freezing. Frozen Brussels sprouts retain their nutritional content of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.

When cooking sprouts, roasting caramelizes their bitterness into sweetness while steaming keeps their bright, cabbage-like flavor. Sautéing and stir-frying add delicate char. Halving sprouts helps seasonings penetrate. Simply prepared, Brussels sprouts make nutritious, tasty additions to any meal.

From Belgian field oddity to home kitchen staple, Brussels sprouts have blossomed into a beloved veggie on both sides of the Atlantic. Their hardiness in cool weather and high nutrition continue fueling their popularity.

growing brussels sprouts

Brussels Sprouts (See also Brassicas) are the most difficult variety of the Cabbage tribe to grow successfully, and the best and richest in flavor of this family. Brussels Sprouts are closely allied to the Kales, but are distinguished from them by the numerous miniature-like cabbage heads or sprouts which form in the leaf axils. Properly cooked and served, these Sprouts make a delicious dish.

The Basics of Planting

When starting out with Brussel sprouts, the best time to plant them is usually in early spring, depending on your climate.

Seed may be sown in an outdoor seed bed during the warmer months and it is advisable to raise the plants on poor ground to get good, hard, stumpy plants which can be transplanted as soon as ready. The ground for growing the plants on must be thoroughly dug and well manured in the previous season, and the soil turned over a couple of times before putting out the young seedlings. It is not advisable to transplant out when the seedlings are young, as if transplanted too late very few sprouts are formed, and the plants will run up to seed. Sprouts are ready to pull in about twelve to fourteen weeks from transplanting and as the plants will stand well with the sprouts on, this delicious vegetable may be had right through the season.

It’s important to note that these veggies take up quite a bit of space, so make sure you have plenty of room to accommodate them. Plant each seedling about 18 inches apart in rows that are spaced three feet apart. If temperatures stay relatively warm, you should see your seedlings begin to germinate within two weeks after planting.

Once your seedlings have begun to grow, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that they thrive in your garden. First, keep the soil moist but not soggy; water deeply once or twice per week depending on how hot it is outside. Secondly, fertilize when needed by applying compost or manure around the base of the plants (but not directly onto the leaves). This will help promote strong growth and healthy yields.

As the plants mature, the lower side leaves will fade and these must be removed at once. Do not interfere with the top growth, as this is necessary to keep the plants growing the side sprouts.

Finally, keep weeds away from your sprouts by either hand-pulling them or using mulch around the plants; this will prevent competition for nutrients and water while also encouraging good air circulation around the plants.

Harvesting Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts typically take between 80-140 days from planting until harvest time depending on where you live and how well you took care of them.

When harvesting time comes around (usually late summer/early fall), cut off each individual stalk rather than pulling it out of the ground; this will prevent any damage being done to the roots below. START PICKING THE SPROUTS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE PLANTS. Gather these before fully grown, or before they begin to open, for at that stage they are at their best as regards flavor and quality. When all the Sprouts have been gathered from the stems the crown or top can be cut and used.          

The size of each stalk can vary greatly depending on how long it was left on the plant; however, for optimal taste you should aim for stalks that are between 1-2 inches in diameter before harvesting. Larger stalks may still be edible but tend to be tougher and less flavorful than smaller ones.

Brussels Sprouts require a fair amount of space for the full development of the leaves, as the size of the Sprouts is in accordance with that of the foliage. There are many varieties in commerce two of the best all-round sorts are Dalkeith and President. 

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts for Any Kitchen

• Prep – Trim off discolored lower leaves. Cut an “X” in the stem bottom to help them cook evenly.
• Roasting – Toss sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F until caramelized and fork-tender.
• Steaming – Steam over boiling water for 5-8 minutes until still bright green. Be careful not to overcook.
• Sautéing – Fry sprouts in oil over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, for 3-5 minutes.

  

Growing brussel sprouts can seem like an intimidating task but with just a bit of patience and knowledge it can be easily accomplished – even by gardening newbies! Just remember – give them ample space when planting, keep soil moist but not soggy, fertilize when needed and keep away weeds using mulch – then all that’s left is waiting until harvest time! With just a little TLC your garden will soon be full of delicious brussel sprouts ready for eating.