How To Grow Brussels Sprouts / RHS Gardening

Brussels sprouts are in the ground for a long time, so check plants regularly for any signs of problems. Water if the soil starts to dry out and remove fading leaves to improve airflow around the plants, which helps to deter fungal diseases. Keep cabbage butterflies and pigeons at bay with fine-mesh netting.

Watering

Water young plants regularly, never letting the soil dry out. Once they’re well established and growing strongly, they should only need watering during dry weather or on very free-draining soil. See our water-saving tips below.

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Mulching

Apply a thick layer of mulch Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. , such as well-rotted manure or garden compost, around the plants to help hold moisture in the soil and reduce the need for watering. Mulch will also deter weed germination Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light. .

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Feeding

On poor soil, or to boost slow growth, you can apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser in June or July.

Weeding

Keep young plants weed-free, to reduce competition for light, water and nutrients. Dense weeds can also provide shelter for slugs and snails. See our tips on controlling weeds.

Supporting plants

In late summer, mound up soil around the base of the stems, to provide extra support before autumn gales arrive. Taller plants may also need staking with a sturdy bamboo cane A cane is a slender, straight, length of woody plant material, usually bamboo. Canes are primarily used as plant supports. The fruiting stems of blackberries, raspberries and hybrid berries (such as loganberries and tayberries) are also known as canes, so these crops are often referred to as cane fruit. , especially in exposed sites. This will prevent wind buffeting these top-heavy plants, which can loosen the roots and hinder growth or even blow them over.

Protecting the crop

Brussels sprouts are vulnerable to the typical brassica problems, including pigeons and various insects, so keep plants protected at all times. The easiest option is to cover the crop with insect-proof mesh, supported on canes and pinned into the ground. See Problems, below, for more tips.