Silvia Brussels Sprouts Seeds

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: 4 months before your average first fall frost date, when soil temperature is at least 40°F.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside, or about 4 months before your average first fall frost date so sprouts mature in cool weather. In mild climates, sow in fall for harvest in late winter and early spring. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 60°-85°F.

Days to Emerge: 5-10 days

Seed Depth: 1/4"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 24"

Row Spacing: 24"

Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 24"

Growing Info

Harvesting: Brussels sprouts start maturing from the bottom of the plant to the top. Buds should be picked when they are firm and about the size of a large cherry, between 3/4" and 1" in size. Break off the leaf just below the buds and snap or cut off the sprout. Brussels sprouts can be left in the garden through a freeze, which sweetens the flavor.

Special Care: Mulch around the base of plants to keep soil moist and minimize weeds. About a month before the first expected hard freeze, top the plant by cutting off the growing tip. This directs all the plant's energy into maturing the remaining sprouts. To exclude flea beetles and other pests, use row covers at planting time. It is a good idea to rotate brassica crops annually so they are not grown in the same area for 3 years to prevent the buildup of diseases in the soil.