Growing Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts are often overlooked, but they really are an amazingly versatile vegetable that is packed full of fibre, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. It's also been said that they may have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation and improve blood sugar controls!

Thriving in full sun, moist and rich soil - Brussel Sprouts are from the same family as Kale, Cabbage and Broccoli. This means they can be susceptible to a wide range of soil born diseases and aphids, this is easily managed with McGregor's Spraying Oil or McGregor's Pyrethrum Insect Control.

To get the most out of your plant make sure to pick formed sprouts from the bottom of the stems to leave the plant to grow. Avoid growing them around climbing beans, tomato, capsicum, eggplant, strawberry and mustard. They are compatible with dwarf bush beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, and aromatic herbs.

McGregor's Brussel Sprouts
The catskill improved variety of Brussel Sprouts is a compact plant reaching up to 60cm high. It is a high producer, producing large sprouts that are closely packed to the stem.

How to plant your Brussel Sprout
Choose a sheltered, well drained site in full sun. Sow these seeds in trays for subsequent transplanting or, after frosts, sow direct where to grow in a well prepared seedbed. Sow seeds 3cm apart, in rows 70cm apart and to a depth of 5mm.

Seedling Care
Keep seedbed or trays evenly moist during the germination period of 7-10 days. Apply McGregor’s VegeMax 2 weeks after germination for healthier plants and a maximum crop. Protect your vege garden from snails and slugs with McGregor’s Snail and Slug bait and from White Butterfly with McGregor’s Derris Dust.

Hints and Tips
Pinch out the leading shoot when the bottom sprouts are 1-2cm in diameter, as this promotes bud development.