Brussels sprouts are cool season vegetables that prefer a sunny location and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. Thin seedlings or transplant Brussels sprouts inches apart in the row with rows feet apart.
Plant Brussels sprouts in early summer for maturity in the fall after several frosts. Avoid fertilization during sprout formation as this may cause loose, soft sprouts, and splitting. Irrigation should be deep and infrequent. Plastic or organic mulches help conserve water and reduce weed growth. Control insects and diseases throughout the year. Harvest Brussels sprouts when the sprouts are one 1 inch in diameter, but before they split open. There are many good Brussels sprouts varieties for sale in local gardening outlets, on-line and through seed catalogs.
Most grow well in Utah. Long Island Improved 90 days , Jade Cross days and Diablo days have good production, eating quality and storage potential.
Brussels sprouts prefer fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter for best growth. Most soils in Utah are suitable for Brussels sprouts production. Before planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. If you fertilize with compost, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per square feet of garden area.
Brussels sprouts can be grown from seed or transplants. Plants removed at thinning can be transplanted to adjacent areas. Transplants should have mature leaves and a well-developed root system before planting out. Generally weeks are required to grow transplants to this size. Seeded or transplanted Brussels sprouts should be spaced inches between plants in the row with rows 2 feet apart.
