Brussels sprouts- need some growing tips PLEASE

Hey there. I was just wondering if any of you had some advice/tips to offer regarding growing Brussels sprouts. I'm a newbie to seeds, but I purchased a package of Roodnerf variety (OP) and have no idea where to start. I can start the seeds indoors and transplant later or direct sow, doesn't matter to me. But just how big are these things likely to get? How much room should I give them realistically? I have a limited amount of space, so should I even bother? I plan to grow them in a raised 4x8 bed along with some other things and don't want a crowded mess. ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Brussels will grow about 2' tall so make sure you do not place them in front of a plant that will grow in its shade. You need about 24" of space around each plant. They do not need any nutrients until the plant is 12" tall, and then give it some nitrogen. Dried Blood is a good organic source. They also make a great fall planting vegetable. Enjoy your garden!

I've tried brussel sprouts twice over the past two years. As another garden stated they do get at least 24 inch tall so they do need some space. Mine grew very well and produced a nice harvest, however I was bothered by pests and not wanting to go to chemicals a lot of mine because unappetizing. There was a silvery gray powdery reside in them and I was not able to identify what was causing it. If anyone could tell me what this was and how to treat it organically I would appreciate it. BTW I do all my gardening in raised 4 x 8 beds. You brussel sprouts should do very well there, just give them some room.

I grew Brussel Sprouts last summer for the first time in many years (from purchased plants). My husband loves them but hates the bugs they attract. So I made sure to make hoops and cover them with a black mosquito netting to keep out the moths. That worked pretty well. A few did get in but I was able to kill the worms before they did too much harm. This year I have purchased a new product from Gardeners Supply called a Tall Insect Pop-Up, which comes in two sizes - 3 x 3 ft or 3 x 6 ft. and are tall enough to cover broccoli. http://www.gardeners.com/Tall-Insect-Pop-Up%2C-3%27-x-6%27/38-769,default,pd.html?SC=RNA7200A
I consider mine to be a good investment if it really will help keep the bugs out. Will see how it goes. Otherwise I find spraying cabbage and Brussel Sprouts with a couple of tbs. of molasses in a gallon of water every couple of weeks causes the moths to fly in the other direction and not lay its eggs. Enjoy the Brussel Sprouts!

I have never tried brussel sprouts before and would like to know about when to sow the seeds, how late in the season you can wait and how late can you plant the bought plants.

Homesick- I used this link to help me determine seed starting dates.

http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/zipcode/60148

I'm not sure what your zone is, but it's not recommended to start sprout seeds in the ground. I sowed mine indoors late on April 7. I have been trying to get them in the ground the last two weekends but it's either been cold and rainy or hot and windy. The garden centers around here are selling transplants as well, but I don't think it's safe to assume that it's still not too late to plant. It's my first year doing sprouts, but I'm game for the experiment. Hopefully, I'll get them in the ground this week.

Granny- Did you ever find out what was causing that silvery gray residue on your sprouts? One of my plants has the same thing and they're not even in the ground yet! I wonder if it's anything to worry about.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS NOTES:

Organic_Joe
Brussels will grow about 2' tall so make sure you do not place them in front of a plant that will grow in its shade. You need about 24" of space around each plant. They do not need any nutrients until the plant is 12" tall, and then give it some nitrogen. Dried Blood is a good organic source. They also make a great fall planting vegetable. Enjoy your garden!

Gardadore
I grew Brussel Sprouts last summer for the first time in many years (from purchased plants). My husband loves them but hates the bugs they attract. So I made sure to make hoops and cover them with a black mosquito netting to keep out the moths. That worked pretty well. A few did get in but I was able to kill the worms before they did too much harm. This year I have purchased a new product from Gardeners Supply called a Tall Insect Pop-Up, which comes in two sizes - 3 x 3 ft or 3 x 6 ft. and are tall enough to cover broccoli. http://www.gardeners.com/Tall-Insect-Pop-Up,-3'-x-6'/38-769,...

I consider mine to be a good investment if it really will help keep the bugs out. Will see how it goes. Otherwise I find spraying cabbage and Brussel Sprouts with a couple of tbs. of molasses in a gallon of water every couple of weeks causes the moths to fly in the other direction and not lay its eggs. Enjoy the Brussel Sprouts!

This message was edited May 24, 2011 4:55 PM

Make sure you really firm them in well and mound up the soil around their bases. They really like being planted in tightly. I guess they like tight shoes.