Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts, with their unique, miniature cabbage-like appearance, add a distinctive charm to any garden. These plants grow tall, sturdy stalks adorned with rows of small, round sprouts that develop along the stem. Their striking form and texture make Brussels sprouts a visually interesting addition to your garden beds.

In Florida planting zone 9, Brussels sprouts thrive best during the cooler months. The sprouts form tightly along the stems, creating a fascinating display as they mature. Watching these little green orbs develop is a rewarding experience, as they transform from tiny buds into plump, harvestable sprouts.

For those new to gardening, Brussels sprouts offer both a visual treat and a culinary delight. These vegetables are not only attractive but also packed with nutrients. Whether roasted, steamed, or sautéed, Brussels sprouts add a delicious and healthy element to your meals, making your gardening efforts worthwhile.

I would give Brussels sprouts a 3 out of 5 on how easy they are to grow. While they do require some attention to temperature and timing, they are still quite manageable for beginners with a bit of planning.

The vegetables listed on this page are not the only ones that can thrive in this region of Florida, but they represent the top recommended varieties for optimal growth and success in local conditions.


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Brussels Sprout Varieties:

Jade Cross E

Hybrid

Jade Cross E Brussels Sprouts

Description: A heat-tolerant variety that produces medium-sized, uniform sprouts. It has a compact growth habit and is known for its resistance to diseases.

Growing Season: Fall and Winter

USDA Planting Zone: 9–11

Special Notes: Good for warmer climates and has a high yield.

Diablo

Hybrid

Diablo Brussels Sprouts

Description: A vigorous and productive variety with firm, dark green sprouts. It is known for its excellent taste and ability to tolerate warmer conditions better than other varieties.

Growing Season: Fall and Winter

USDA Planting Zone: 9–11

Special Notes: Tolerant of a wider range of temperatures, making it suitable for fall planting in zone 9.

Long Island Improved

Heirloom

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Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts

Description: An heirloom variety that produces large, flavorful sprouts. It is a reliable performer and has been grown successfully in various climates.

Growing Season: Fall and Winter

USDA Planting Zone: 3–10

Special Notes: Best planted in the late summer to early fall for a winter harvest in warmer climates.

Catskill

Heirloom

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Catskill Brussels Sprouts

Description: A variety known for producing large, firm sprouts. It has a strong, upright growth habit and is favored for its flavor.

Growing Season: Fall and Winter

USDA Planting Zone: 3–10

Special Notes: Performs well in cooler weather; consider planting in the fall for optimal results.


Florida Vegetable Planting Guide

This guide provides information on when to start seeds inside, direct seed, and transplant starter plants in the different regions of Florida.


North USDA Planting Zones: 8b-9a
Central USDA Planting Zones: 9b & some of 10a
South USDA Planting Zones: 10a-11b

Visit the U.S. National Arboretum for an Exact USDA Planting Zone Map.

Planting Map
Brussels Sprouts North Florida Central Florida South Florida
Start Seeds Inside Jul-Jan Aug-Jan Sep-Dec
Direct Seed Aug-Feb Sep-Feb Oct-Jan
Transplant Starter Plants Aug-Feb Sep-Feb Oct-Jan


Planting Guide – Brussels Sprouts

Getting Started

Start Seeds Inside:
Starting Brussels sprouts seeds indoors in late summer allows for controlled conditions, ensuring strong seedlings ready for transplanting outdoors in the fall.

Direct Seed:
Direct seeding Brussels sprouts during the cooler months allows for rapid germination and establishment, avoiding the stress of high temperatures.

Transplant Starter Plants:
Transplanting Brussels sprouts starter plants in the cooler months helps them establish quickly and take advantage of the full growing season, leading to healthier and more productive plants.

Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing

Soil:
Brussels sprouts prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil before planting.

Sun:
Full sun is ideal, but Brussels sprouts can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. An ideal average temperature is around 58–60°F. Warm weather causes individual sprouts to be soft and open rather than solid and tightly packed.

Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Spacing:
Plant seedlings 18–24 inches apart in rows spaced 18–24 inches apart to allow adequate air circulation and room for growth.

Fertilization, Care, and Problems

Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio):
Brussels sprouts benefit from a balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to support leafy growth, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14.

When to Add:
Before Planting: Apply the balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting seeds or transplants to promote strong initial growth.
Mid-Growing Season: Reapply the fertilizer about four weeks after planting and again when the sprouts start to form to support continued growth and sprout development.

Application Tips:

  • Follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.
  • Apply the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants and water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots.

Additional Tips:

  • Brussels sprouts prefer soil rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost to improve fertility and structure.
  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  • Ensure consistent moisture, especially during sprout formation, to prevent stress and promote even growth.

Harvesting:
Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest when the sprouts are about 1–2 inches in diameter, typically 85–110 days after planting. Start picking from the bottom of the plant and work your way up by twisting or cutting off the firm, compact sprouts. Pick the sprouts at about 2-week intervals and keep refrigerated in the crisper. Temperatures of 32–34°F and a relative humidity of 90–95% are best.

Pests and Diseases in Florida:

  • Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing.
  • Cabbage Worms: Caterpillars that chew large holes in the leaves.
  • Flea Beetles: Small beetles that chew many tiny “shot” holes in leaves.
  • Cutworms: Caterpillars that cut down young plants at the base.
  • Downy Mildew: Fungal disease causing yellowing leaves with fuzzy, grayish growth on the underside.
  • Clubroot: Fungal disease that causes swollen, distorted roots leading to stunted growth.

Blog post on Natural Fertilizers

Natural Pest Control

Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid

Companion Plants:

Marigold Bright flowers release soil compounds that deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests while helping repel aphids and flea beetles around Brussels sprouts.
Onions Their strong aroma helps repel aphids, flea beetles, and other pests, masking the scent of Brussels sprouts and making them harder for insects to locate.
Dill Attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory wasps that prey on aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles attacking Brussels sprouts.
Chamomile Draws in hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids and other pests; its mild antifungal properties may help protect nearby plants from disease.
Thyme A low-growing herb whose strong aroma repels cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects to the garden.

Plants to Avoid Nearby:

Strawberries Can attract pests and diseases harmful to Brussels sprouts and compete for water and nutrients near the soil surface.
Tomatoes Compete for nutrients and can attract pests that also affect Brussels sprouts, increasing overall pest pressure.
Peppers May stunt Brussels sprouts growth by competing for nutrients and drawing overlapping pest populations into the same bed.
Garden Beans Can inhibit Brussels sprouts growth when planted too close, competing for similar nutrients and space.
Other Brassicas
(Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Kale ) 		Compete for the same nutrients and attract many of the same pests and diseases, increasing pressure when grown right next to Brussels sprouts.