Brussels Sprouts Seeds - Catskill

Minimum Seeds per Packet: 270

Packet Weight: 2g

Planting Season: Spring, Fall

Sowing Method: Transplant

Seed Depth: 1/4"

Direct Seed Spacing: N/A

Soil Temperature: 40-80 ℉

Days to Sprout: 7-10

Mature Spacing: 18-24"

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Frost Tolerance: Frost Tolerant

Days to Harvest: 80 from Transplant

Brussels sprouts are not for the impatient gardener! These plants take about four months from seed to harvest, and need a little more babying than most. But, harvesting your own sweet sprouts for wintertime holiday dinners is quite a reward, we think. For gardeners in the South, we recommend only planting Brussels sprouts for fall/winter harvest - our summers are just too hot for these cool-weather plants to thrive. It’s also best to start them indoors, where they are protected from the scorching heat and marauding pests. 

Start your Brussels sprout seeds in trays indoors about 12 weeks before your first frost date, in late summer. Sow the seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. Prepare your garden beds by working in a couple inches of high quality compost or well-aged manure. Once your seedlings have reached about 6 inches tall, and temperatures have cooled down, transplant them into the garden 12 to 24 inches apart in rows at least 24 inches apart. If insects are still plentiful, (and they probably will be, especially here in the Southeast) have light row cover or insect netting at the ready, as pests can do a number on young plants in no time. Fertilize with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as fish emulsion every 3 to 4 weeks after planting, and keep the soil consistently watered but not soggy. Cut off the lower leaves of the plant as they start to yellow, to allow the sprouts more sunlight.

Your Brussels sprouts will start to mature at about 90 days from transplanting. You can harvest them over time by starting from the bottom of each stalk and working your way up. The plants are quite cold-hardy, but you can give them extra protection with row cover if your area will experience snow or very hard freezes.

When to Seed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are not for the impatient gardener! These plants take about four months from seed to harvest, and need a little more babying than most. But, harvesting your own sweet sprouts for wintertime dinners is quite a reward. Northern gardeners should be able to grow Brussels sprouts in spring and fall but, for gardeners in the South, we recommend only planting Brussels sprouts for a fall or winter harvest. It is also best to start them indoors, where they are protected from the scorching heat and pests. Start your seeds 12 weeks before your last or first frost date. 

Where to Plant Brussels Sprouts

Plant your Brussels sprouts in an area with full sun and well-draining soil that is high in nutrients. You’ll also want to consider the length of time this crop will be in the ground - put it in a place where you can keep it until it’s matured! 

Growing Brussels Sprouts

Sow your seeds in trays ¼ inch deep into the soil. Once your seedlings have reached about six inches tall, and temperatures have cooled down in the fall, transplant them into the garden 18 to 24 inches apart, in rows 24 inches apart. Insects will likely still be plentiful at this time so use a light row cover or insect netting to protect your seedlings. Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer every three to four weeks after planting. Ensure that your Brussels sprouts get at least an inch of water per week, and more if it’s a warm fall. Cut off lower leaves of the plant as they start to yellow - this allows the sprouts to receive more sunlight. 

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

Your Brussels sprouts will begin to mature about 90 days from transplanting. You can harvest them over time by starting from the bottom of each stalk and working your way up. Alternatively, you can wait until a critical mass is matured and harvest the entire stalk. Brussels sprouts are quite frost tolerant but may benefit from extra protection with row cover.