Brussel's Sprouts
Brussel's Sprouts
The plant was named after Brussels, Belgium and grows in sun or semi-sun. It takes 90 to 95 days to mature and grows in most well-drained soils. If clubroot is a problem the pH should be 6.8 otherwise any pH between 5.5 and 6.6 is suitable. Spring planting is done from late April to early May, with fall plantings done in late June. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart. Transplants may be used. If the garden was not fertilized use 5 cups of 5-10-10 per 50 feet of row. Spread the fertilizer in a one foot band and mix it in thoroughly. Use the same amount as a sidedress 6 weeks after transplanting. Failure to water in dry weather results in reduced yield and quality. As sprouts form in the leaf axils, remove the lower leaves. The top leaves are left on. Pinching out the top in late season may hasten sprout development, but if done too early, the top sprouts begin to grow upwards.
Harvesting begins when sprouts are about 1 inch in diameter. Start at the bottom and harvest upward. If harvest is delayed until the lower leaves turn yellow, the sprouts will be tough and off flavor. The flavor is improved by exposure to light frost.
