A polarizing vegetable, you either love or hate Brussel sprouts. However, fresh from the garden, they are sure to be able to turn even the most staunch Brussel-hater into a major cruciferous fan. Growing Brussel sprouts from seed doesn’t have to be daunting, and it can open your eyes to all the varieties available to grow in your backyard. Follow along to learn how to grow Brussel sprouts from seed, care tips throughout the growing season, and what problems you might encounter, along with their solutions. 
Brussels sprouts are a cool weather vegetable that can be tricky to grow but yield a delicious harvest when cared for properly. Learning the key stages of Brussels sprouts growth will ensure success from seed to harvest. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore each phase of the Brussels sprouts life cycle so you can enjoy a bountiful crop.
Overview of Brussels Sprouts Growth Stages
Brussels sprouts go through the following growth phases
- Germination – Seeds sprout and seedlings emerge in 1-3 weeks
- Leaf Growth – Seedlings focus on root and leaf development in the first few weeks.
- Stem Elongation – Plants grow taller and form sturdy stalks over 2-4 months.
- Flowering – Small yellow flowers bloom on top of stalks signaling the start of sprout formation.
- Sprout Development – Sprouts form and swell along the stalks from bottom to top over 1-2 months.
- Maturity – Sprouts reach full size of 1-2 inches in diameter after 3-5 months total.
- Harvest – Mature sprouts are harvested from the bottom up as needed over 1-2 months.
Proper care through each stage is vital for growing healthy, high-yielding Brussels sprout plants
Detailed Brussels Sprouts Growth Stages
Now let’s explore each Brussels sprouts growth phase in more detail:
1. Germination
- Seeds sprout 1-3 weeks after planting when soil temperature is 45-85°F.
- Ensure consistent moisture – seeds can dry out and fail to germinate.
- Cool weather is ideal – seeds won’t germinate if soil is too warm.
- Expect 50-80% germination rate if planting fresh viable seeds.
2. Seedling Stage
- Focus is on root growth and leaf development.
- Seedlings need 12-15 hours of sun for robust growth.
- Keep soil moist, watering when top 1′′ is dry. Don’t saturate.
- Thin overcrowded seedlings to proper spacing after 4-6 weeks.
3. Vegetative Growth
- Occurs over 2-4 months as plants grow taller and form sturdy stalks.
- Ideal temperature is 60-70°F during this stage.
- Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to nourish growth.
- Stake or cage plants if needed for support in windy conditions.
4. Flowering
- Initiated by shorter daylight hours and signals start of sprout formation.
- Tiny yellow flowers bloom at tips of stalks in early fall.
- Flowers are not edible – remove to promote sprout growth.
- Sign that sprouts will form in 4-8 weeks if properly cared for.
5. Sprout Development
- Sprouts form along stalks from bottom up over 1-2 months after flowering.
- Ideal temps are 50-65°F for plump sprout growth.
- Soil should be consistently moist – water 1-2 times per week.
- Fertilize every 3-4 weeks to support developing sprouts.
6. Maturity
- Sprouts reach full size of 1-2 inches diameter after 3-5 months total.
- Harvest sprouts promptly once mature to avoid overgrowth.
- Light frost improves flavor but hard freeze damages sprouts.
- Lower leaves yellow and drop as plant declines after producing sprouts.
7. Harvest
- Begin harvesting sprouts from bottom up as they mature.
- Rotate plants, harvesting lowest sprouts first.
- Harvest sprouts by twisting or cutting stalks.
- Brush off any loose outer leaves.
- Store freshly picked sprouts in fridge up to 5 days.
Monitoring your plants and providing the right growing conditions during each phase will lead to a bountiful Brussels sprouts harvest. With proper care from seed to maturity, you’ll enjoy this nutritious cool weather crop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall do Brussels sprouts grow?
Depending on the variety, Brussels sprouts can grow 1-3 feet tall. They form small trees in the garden with their sturdy stalks and leafy tops.
How long does it take Brussels sprouts to mature?
It takes 80-120 days from transplanting seedlings for Brussels sprouts to reach full maturity. The entire growth cycle is 3-5 months from sowing seeds to harvest.
When should I plant Brussels sprouts?
Plant Brussels sprouts in early spring, around 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives them time to mature for a fall harvest. In mild winter climates, plant in late summer for winter harvest.
How far apart should I space Brussels sprouts?
Space Brussels sprouts 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 30 inches apart. Plant in full sun locations with fertile, well-draining soil.
How do I know when to harvest Brussels sprouts?
Harvest Brussels sprouts when the bottom sprouts reach 1-2 inches diameter. Pick off the lowest, largest sprouts first and work upwards as they mature. Harvest before a hard freeze for best flavor.
Can I grow Brussels sprouts from grocery store seeds?
Yes, you can grow Brussels sprouts from the seeds found in grocery store sprouts. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Be aware seeds could be hybrid varieties.
Do Brussels sprouts come back every year?
No, Brussels sprouts are an annual vegetable. You need to replant them each growing season to maintain an annual harvest. They don’t regrow from roots the following spring.
Why are the leaves on my Brussels sprouts turning yellow?
It’s normal for lower leaves to yellow and drop off as the plant finishes producing sprouts. This indicates the plant is maturing. As long as sprouts look healthy, it’s nothing to worry about.
How can I get bigger Brussels sprouts?
Use fertile soil, apply a balanced fertilizer during growth, ensure consistent watering, and remove the top of plants in late summer to promote sprout growth over vertical growth.
With the proper care and timing for your climate, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown Brussels sprouts. Follow this guide to master the stages of Brussels sprouts growth from seed to maturity.
Brussel Sprouts Varieties
Part of growing Brussel sprouts seeds is the perk of having many options to choose from. Brussel sprout varieties can have a different time to harvest but generally require similar care across the board.
- Churchill. Grows quickly and yields about 14 ounces (0,4kg) of sprouts per plant in about 90 days. This variety is great for those wanting quantity, quality, and speed, though this variety is more susceptible to disease, so take care to prune the lateral branches that form to keep air flowing around the plant.
- Diablo. At two feet (0.6m) tall, the Diablo variety of Brussel sprouts grow uniformly on a two-foot-tall “tree” with medium-sized sprouts. These take on the longer end to mature, about 110 days until harvest, but it is worth the extra time investment for their tasty, nutty flavor.
- Green Gems. Smaller sprouts that still pack a punch are grown in a short 85 days until harvest. This variety may need some help standing upright if the wind is a common issue in your area.
- Hestia. Giving the best of both worlds, this variety matures in about 95 days, has uniform growth, and is actually award-winning! They hold the All-American Selections award for vegetables. The best part is they don’t even need the freeze or frost to bring out their buttery, sweet flavor.
- Mighty. The Mighty Brussel sprout is exactly as its name would suggest – small but mighty in flavor. Growing around 1 inch (3cm) in diameter, these are perfect for roasting whole. Additionally, they are resistant to mildew and leaf spot.
- Redarling. A colorful take on the traditional sprout, Redarling is a purple variety with 1.5 inch (4cm) diameter sprouts. These sprouts hold their color when they’re heated, so it’s just as beautiful on the plate as it is in the garden. This variety is a slow grower, so planning is in order because they’re not ready to harvest until about 140 days.
Brussel Sprouts Companion Plants – Who Are They?
Companion plants are additional herbage that can be grown in conjunction with other crops that will mutually benefit each other either by enhancing growth or deterring pests, and sometimes both. Brussel sprouts companion plants can be other food crops, flowers, or even a “trap” crop.
For Brussel sprouts, which can be plagued by bugs such as aphids and cabbage moths, planting companions such as basil, garlic, and mustard. These strong scents repel certain pests, and the mustard is more of a decoy for pests that would normally eat the sprouts. Other good companions are marigold, nasturtiums, and mint, though mint can take over an area and is best left in containers.