🥕 Brussels Sprouts
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
vegetables brassica (cole crop)
☀️ Sun
Full sun (6–8 hours)
💧 Water
High; 1–1.5 inches per week; consistent moisture is critical for tight, sweet sprouts
🗺️ Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
🪴 Soil Type
Rich, firm, well-drained loam; Brussels sprouts prefer FIRM soil — do not over-loosen; they are tall, top-heavy plants that need solid anchoring
🧪 Soil pH
6.5–7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline preferred — helps prevent clubroot)
💧 Drainage
Well-drained but moisture-retentive
📏 Spacing
18–24 inches apart; rows 30–36 inches; some varieties grow 3+ ft tall — allow headroom
📅 Days to Maturity
80-120 days (from transplant); 100-140 days from seed
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ ["Sprouts (axillary buds along stem)"🍽️ "Tops/leaves (similar to collard greens)"🍽️ "Stems (peeled)"]
🤝 Companions (6)
Attracts parasitic wasps for cabbage worm and aphid control
Strong scent repels cabbage moths
Repels flea beetles and cabbage moths
Trap crop for aphids; repels cabbage pests
🤝 Chamomile
Improves flavor; attracts beneficials
Repels aphids; antifungal may reduce disease pressure
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
💊 Medicinal Uses
["Contains sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (anti-cancer compounds)", "Extremely high in vitamin K (over 200% DV per serving) and vitamin C", "Good source of folate, manganese, and fiber", "Contains glucosinolates being studied for DNA protection"]
📝 Notes
Brussels sprouts have the longest growing season of common brassicas: 90–180 days. They require frost to develop sweetness (cold triggers sugar production in sprouts). Harvest from bottom up as sprouts mature (1-2 inches diameter, firm). Stake tall plants in windy areas. Pinching the top growing tip in late summer/early fall directs energy to sprout development. Excellent crop for overwintering in mild climates (zones 7+).