Brussels Sprouts?

Hi Everyone,

I was hoping to get some advice on growing brussels sprouts. I thought I would give them a try this year, but I'm not exactly sure when to plant them.

Can I start the seeds indoors now, and then plant outside this Spring?

Any help is much appreciated!

- Jana

In my experience Brussel Sprouts are tricky about timing. They don't do well in hot summer- better in cool temps, but only once was I successful with a crop- and it was beautiful- sprouts marching spirally up the trunk! I really don't have any advice- just to say try it and good luck-

Yum..........Hadn't thought of them....

Hummmmmmmmmmmm............

Ginger

Thanks for the input. I was thinking that they might be a little tricky to grow, so I'll just try my luck.

I have planted them in July for a Fall crop. I had good luck in a year with a fairly mild Winter, when we had sprouts for an extended time. They probably would have frozen out in a Winter like we are having this year.

Maybe you can look online for information from Cisco; he's always talking about how much he loves them.

This message was edited Mar 11, 2009 10:58 AM

I've never had any trouble with them other than needing to net them to keep pigeons from eating them - they love them, and it was a race between them and me!! If you have room to start them indoors, I'd suggest that you try some seed now, and then if they don't do well, sow some more. Do you get the red brusselsprouts in the US? They are delicious!

Colliwobbles, I just found this -

They grow well on almost any soil, and are quite content in partial shade. Surely a vegetable for all gardens.

Brussels Sprouts were cultivated in Belgium as far back as 1200, hence the name (Brussels is capital of Belgium. They were first grown commercially in Belgium in the 1580s, now they are cultivated all over Europe.

Where To Grow Brussels Sprouts
Sprouts are very tolerant of almost all soil conditions although they dislike acid soils which can make them more susceptible to club root. A firm soil is best in order to enable the root system to support these top heavy plants.

They will grow equally well in sun or partial shade, but prefer partial shade. Be sure not to grow them in front of other plants which need full sun, their foliage will put others in the shade. Again, because they are top-heavy, they should be grown in an area which is free from strong winds.



This message was edited Mar 11, 2009 5:20 PM

Since Seattle winters are fairly mild, you should probably be able to plant them outside anytime. Mine are outside in cold frames and survived at low of 13° yesterday. I start early because our weather goes from cold to hot very quickly but the weather in Seattle should be much more compatible with growing cool weather crops in the spring.

I grow them. They do quite well here: 2 crops - spring & fall. Fall harvested has the best flavour as the autumn frosts sweetens them up.
If you enjoy them, you will want to grow them: much tastier than what can be purchased at the grocery store.

I love them. Do you just plant them from seeds?

Ginger

beadmom - grow from seed. They aren't difficult.
Seeing that you garden in Bend, and subject to frosts anytime of year, the planting time will be a bit different. I would need to look that up - don't know the high desert recommendations off the top of my head... probably the same as a longer season Cabbage. (back later - I'm at work-work...)

I'd probably grow them in buckets under grow lights in my house like everything else....

Ginger

I grew them 2 different summers and it is not the time to do it. They both were dry and not very tasty. I love them and could eat them every meal but my DW hates them. I'm going shopping tomorrow to get some yummies. Great snacks for late at night when you don't want lots of calories. I like mine in vinegar, or vinagrette.

I love them as a snack too...
Mayo & soy sauce..but if you eat a lot no one at work will like you the next day...

Ginger

So there is always gas X and beano. Or have a dog follow you around work all day.

I like the dog idea... I like dogs.

Once I was in the bosses office.... and had to pick something heavy off the floor....



RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP.... Yikes.

Ginger

All have experienced that before. LOL

You guys are too funny! :-)

Update: the seeds I planted on Wednesday sprouted overnight (literally)!

WHAAAAA....

I could not find BS seeds today. Tomorrow I'll go some other places.

Ginger

I know, I couldn't believe it. I looked yesterday and nothing...then today, whala!!

I think mine are Ed Hume seeds that I got at Fred Meyer. At least last week, all of their seeds were 50% off.

Ohhhhhhhhhh. We have Fred Meyer....Think I'll have a visit with him tomorrow.

Ginger

OK- you all have me hooked- I went and got some seeds and put them in a baggie with a moist paper napkin- we'll see---

OK.. I am going to shout my ignorance so I can learn something.....

Why do we out them in a baggie w/moist paper towel?

Ginger

Ginger,

I'm guessing the baggie trick is to help them germinate faster. I just put mine in one of the trays with the peat pellets. Even though the directions on the tray say to put it in the dark after planting, I have it in a window facing south, and they came up super quick.

OK. Thanks!

Ginger

We planted Falstaff and Rubine (7) each in coir filled fertile pots so we can direct plant into the garden when it's time. Planted on Wednesday night, sprounts in 80 % of the pots Friday morning. They're under indoor lights.

Happy birthday Colliwobbles! I hope it's a great day.
Good luck with your brussels sprouts.

Happy Birthday Colliwobbles!

Thanks Katlian!

I have to transplant the sprouts into pots today, becuase they're hitting the top of the dome of my tray! I'm a little afraid to put them in the ground just yet, but I might put some seeds out there and see what they do.

Oooh. A belated happy birthday, colliwobbles!!

So sorry I missed it. Happy Birthday!!!

I FOUND THEM! Today.. at Home Depot.
Bought them and the square cukes...

Ginger