A few things come to mind when we’re talking about Brussel Sprouts.
For example, make sure you plant it 6 – 10 weeks before the first expected frost.
The plant requires full sun and rich soil.
And don’t forget to fertilize your plant a month after planting.
Here are the 5 growing stages of Brussel Sprouts:
Stage 1: Starting Seeds
Obviously, the first stage is starting your seeds or any method you’re planting with. Growing your own Brussels sprouts is easy. All you need are some seeds and a few tools. You can plant your seed or seedlings in the spring or summer.
Make sure to sow seeds of Brussels sprout 3 – 4 inches apart
The best way is to start them indoors in a modular seedling tray. They should be transplanted into the garden about four weeks after they are germinated.
Then, the next step is to transplant the sprouts into their permanent home. It is recommended to sow the seeds at a depth of 2 cm.
After germination, thinning the sprouts is essential. Afterward, the plants should be given as much light as possible.
Sprouts need a firm bed and full sunlight. They do best if they are planted at least 5 months before the first fall frost.
As they are part of the cabbage family, they need a lot of moisture. In addition, they should be protected from the hot summer sun.
Sprouts can be harvested after the last frost. While the sprouts can be harvested any time after the first fall frost, they tend to grow more slowly.
During this time, the soil should be moist, and you should harvest them individually or when all the sprouts are filled. You should wait until they are two to three inches long. This gives you plenty of time to harvest them.
Stage 2: Brussel Sprouts’ Seedlings
You can plant Brussels sprouts in containers or a garden bed. You must plant the seedlings about 6 inches apart so that they will not get too big.
Make sure to plant them in a container that will allow the roots to grow freely.
The transplanting process is relatively simple and Brussels sprouts are very easy to transplant.
The stems will remain attached to the plants during the transplanting process.
Sprouts or young plants need 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, but they thrive in partial shade during the hot afternoon sun.
During the coldest part of the year, bring the pots indoors to protect the plants. The temperatures should gradually return to normal in the spring and summer.
The soil should be firm but not too thin, or else the sprouts will fall over. They grow quickly. So, before transplanting, make sure to water them well with insecticidal soap.
These vegetables have a mild flavor and can be eaten raw. During the winter, the plant can be stored and sown in the fall.
Stage 3: Fledgling Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are ready for harvesting 85 to 95 days after planting. They are tender in the beginning and should be harvested as soon as the lower leaves turn yellow.
Picking the sprouts too early will destroy the delicate texture and flavor. You can harvest them as they become larger and bigger. During the growing period, you can cut the plants back to the ground to prevent the tops from dying.
You can harvest your Brussels sprouts when they are one to two inches in diameter. You can plant them in a modular seedling tray or an 84-cell plant tray.
During this period, you should keep the temperature in the seeds below 28 degrees. When the sprouts are at least 2 inches in diameter, harvest them right away. During this time, you can remove the lower leaves to accelerate the growth of the sprouts.
Sprouts are very slow-growing vegetables and take anywhere from 26 to 31 weeks to mature.
Despite their relatively short maturity time, they can be enjoyed fresh from September to February.
They can be grown in a pot or garden without any special care. They need good soil, a sunny spot, and some protection from wind and cold. You can also overwinter them if you live in an area that is not as extreme as the rest of the country.
Stage 4: Pruning Brussel Sprouts
Pruning a Brussels sprout is an important process that will produce the best and most nutritious product possible.
Brussel sprouts need to be kept in the low 60s to 70s Fahrenheit.
The outer leaves of the sprout are not as edible as the inner leaves and should be pruned to expose more attractive ones. To do this, cut the ends of each leaf from the core of the sprout. These leaves will fall off naturally, or can easily be plucked off.
Sprouts are usually harvested at one inch in diameter, but the best time to harvest is two weeks before the end of the season.
The reason is simple: frost makes the sprouts taste better. The below-freezing temperature converts starch into sugar. Brussel sprouts are ready to pick when they are one inch in diameter.
Depending on the variety, you can cut off the top of the Brussel and leave the rest uncut.
Pruning Brussel Sprout plants will help the sprouts to produce more healthy leaves. Sprouts are susceptible to the same pests that attack cabbage plants, so it is important to keep them as healthy as possible.
The best way to prevent pests and diseases from destroying your crops is to protect them from rainwater.
Adding a row cover to your Brussel spout garden will help to prevent insects from laying their larvae near the crop.
Stage 5: Harvesting Brussel Sprouts
During cool weather, harvest Brussel sprouts when they are about 2.5 cm in diameter. You should pick these during the cooler months to ensure that they have enough time to mature.
The best time to harvest Brussel sprouts is when the leaves are turning yellow. Regardless of the size of the Brussel sprouts, they are ready for harvesting as soon as the top leaves start to curl.
The best time to harvest Brussels sprouts is when the buds are firm and about one to two inches in diameter.
The oldest sprouts should be found at the base of the stalk. Simply cut the stalks and remove the buds with a sharp knife. Some gardeners remove the entire plant before the leaves turn yellow.
Others remove the entire plant before the frost hits. In this case, the entire stalk can be removed.
You can harvest Brussel sprouts in 3 months if you follow these steps. The best way to prepare them for harvest is to cook them in oils. Stir-frying them is the best way to enjoy their nutty taste.
The added oil will also enhance their mild sweetness. As a result, these Brussel sprouts are a great addition to stir-fry recipes. They contain antioxidants and are extremely nutritious.
Conclusion
As you can see, most varieties of Brussel Sprouts require five growing stages from starting your seed to harvesting your plant.
Each stage is as important as the next. I know that I must have missed out on a few important steps within this mix, but if you keep an eye on these stages, you should have a healthy plant, ready for harvest at the end of the day.