Growing Brussels Sprouts in Autumn: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Brussels sprouts are a cool-season vegetable that benefit from autumn planting, producing delicious, nutrient-packed sprouts as temperatures cool. Known for their distinctive, nutty flavor, Brussels sprouts develop best in cooler conditions, and a touch of frost can even improve their sweetness. With patience and the right care, you can grow a robust crop of Brussels sprouts to enjoy through winter. Here’s everything you need to know about growing Brussels sprouts in autumn, from planting and care to harvesting and storage.

Why Grow Brussels Sprouts in Autumn?

Brussels sprouts thrive in cool weather, making autumn an ideal time to plant them. They require a long growing season, often maturing over several months, and the chill of autumn and winter improves their flavor, reducing bitterness. By planting in autumn, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown sprouts well into winter and sometimes even early spring, especially if provided with frost protection.

Best Varieties of Brussels Sprouts for Autumn Planting

Several varieties of Brussels sprouts are well-suited to autumn planting, each with unique growth habits and flavors:

1. Long Island Improved: A classic heirloom variety known for its compact growth and productive yield of medium-sized, flavorful sprouts.
2. Diablo: Known for its excellent cold tolerance, Diablo produces high-quality, firm sprouts that are sweetened by frosty conditions.
3. Jade Cross: This hybrid variety has good disease resistance and produces tightly packed, uniform sprouts on compact plants. It’s a reliable choice for autumn gardens.
4. Dagan: A productive variety that yields medium to large sprouts, Dagan is favored for its mild flavor and resistance to bolting.
5. Red Bull: A unique, purple variety that adds color to your garden and plate. Red Bull has a mild, nutty flavor and performs well in cooler temperatures.

Steps for Planting Brussels Sprouts in Autumn

1. Choose a Sunny, Well-Drained Location
   Brussels sprouts need full sun for optimal growth, so select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot.
2. Prepare the Soil
   Brussels sprouts prefer fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its nutrient content and texture, as Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders.
3. Start Seeds Indoors or Transplant Seedlings
   For best results, start seeds indoors 12–14 weeks before the first expected frost and transplant the seedlings into the garden about 6–8 weeks later. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart to allow for full growth.
4. Water Well
   After transplanting, water the plants thoroughly to help them establish roots. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.

Caring for Brussels Sprouts Through Autumn and Winter

• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize Regularly: Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders, so apply a balanced fertilizer or compost every 3–4 weeks to support leaf and sprout development.
• Provide Frost Protection: While Brussels sprouts are frost-tolerant and can withstand light frost, use row covers or garden fleece if extreme cold or hard frost is expected to protect the plants.
• Support Stalks: As the plants grow, they may need staking or support to prevent them from toppling over, especially as they become heavy with sprouts.
• Pinch Tops to Encourage Sprout Growth: Once the plant has produced a sufficient number of sprouts, pinch off the growing tip of the main stalk. This encourages the plant to direct its energy into developing larger sprouts.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are typically ready for harvest about 85–100 days after planting. Sprouts form from the bottom of the stalk upwards, so you can harvest them progressively as they reach about 1–2 inches in diameter.

1. Harvesting Sprouts from the Bottom Up
   Begin harvesting the lower sprouts first, twisting or cutting them off the stalk when they feel firm and reach a desirable size. Continue harvesting upward as the sprouts mature.
2. Harvesting the Whole Stalk
   For a single harvest, wait until the majority of sprouts are mature, then cut the entire stalk at the base. This is useful if you want to store or prepare all your Brussels sprouts at once.

Storage Tips

Freshly harvested Brussels sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, sprouts can be blanched and frozen. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, then cool them in ice water before freezing in airtight containers.

Top 10 Questions and Answers on Growing Brussels Sprouts in Autumn

1. When should I plant Brussels sprouts in autumn?
Start seeds indoors 12–14 weeks before the first frost, and transplant seedlings outdoors about 6–8 weeks later for an autumn crop.

2. Can Brussels sprouts be grown in containers?
Yes, Brussels sprouts can be grown in large containers, but choose a pot at least 12–16 inches deep to support their root system.

3. How far apart should Brussels sprouts be spaced?
Space Brussels sprouts 18–24 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart to allow for full growth and airflow.

4. What type of soil is best for Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts prefer fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5–7.0. Adding compost enriches the soil and supports growth.

5. How often should I water Brussels sprouts?
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.

6. Are Brussels sprouts frost-tolerant?
Yes, Brussels sprouts are frost-tolerant, and light frost can actually improve their sweetness. However, protect them during hard frosts for best results.

7. How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from bolting?
Cool weather reduces the risk of bolting. Plant in autumn to avoid the warm temperatures that can trigger premature flowering.

8. Can I eat Brussels sprout leaves?
Yes, Brussels sprout leaves are edible and can be used similarly to collard greens in sautés, soups, and stir-fries.

9. How do I know when Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest?
Sprouts are ready when they are firm, green, and about 1–2 inches in diameter. Start harvesting from the bottom of the stalk upward.

10. Can I freeze Brussels sprouts after harvesting?
Yes, Brussels sprouts can be blanched and frozen for long-term storage. Blanch for 3–5 minutes, cool in ice water, and freeze in airtight containers.

With this guide, you’re prepared to grow a productive crop of Brussels sprouts in autumn, bringing a tasty and nutritious harvest to your kitchen as the colder months set in. Enjoy your homegrown Brussels sprouts roasted, steamed, or in savory dishes all winter long!