I want to grow Brussels sprouts

11 years ago

I really did hate them when I was little but I figure if I grow them I will eat them and probably like them better fresh.It says late summer on the package and since this is my first time gardening I have no clue when I should plant them and what they need so maybe somebody here can tel me how to grow them please any information will be great.

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Comments (16)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
You know what? Do you have a Costco where you live.....or another grocery known for a great supply of fresh produce? I'd purchase some fresh brussels first, before deciding to grow them. Fresh brussels are hugely better than frozen, but you still may not like them.

Don't be tempted to try the dried up sprouts sold loose in bins at the typical grocery. The ones at Costco are sooooo good that I buy them for Thanksgiving dinner! My advice is to buy before you
plant.
azzure08(zone8a)
Original Author
11 years ago
I just moved to this area but I do plan on growing the regardless because I have already bought the seed packet and I know a couple of families that like them but I will take you up on trying them from a fresh source first.
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wally_1936
11 years ago
You might want to start them in pots and put them out as your weather starts to cool down a bit. That is if your temps are running high right now.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
My personal favorite way of cooking fresh brussels sprouts is to roast them. Remove the outermost leaves, cut off the stem end, coat with a little good olive oil and coarse salt and pepper. Stick in a 400 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes...the outer leaves will be crispy.

See, you've got me thinking about these yummy veggies.
azzure08(zone8a)
Original Author
11 years ago
rhizo_1 I am sorry lol. thanks for the information wally
dirtguy50 SW MO z6a
11 years ago
One vendor at our farmers market sell them still on the stalk for about $3.50. Got a stalk last weekend and they were really good. Definately different when cooked different ways. Going to try rhizo's suggestion this weekend. Thanks. May plant some seeds this weekend just for fun but thinking the constant 100 degree days with no rain may not work though.
stuffradio
11 years ago
I love Brussels Sprouts. My way of cooking:
Prepare the B Sprouts. Peel them back a couple leaves, chop the bottoms off and chop them in half.

Chop up some Onions, amount is per your taste. Cut Bacon into medium size squares. Steam the Sprouts for about 7-9 minutes. While they're steaming, start frying some Bacon that you cut into pieces. Take the Bacon out before fully done, but not raw. Fry Onions in the Bacon fat. Remove the Onions and throw the B Sprouts in a frying pan with a bit extra added oil if you used up all the Bacon fat already on the Onion. Salt and Pepper to taste the B Sprouts. Fry the sprouts until golden brown. Mix everything together and serve!
dirtguy50 SW MO z6a
11 years ago
stuffradio, that is a must try for them. Thanks!
qbush
11 years ago
I also love Brussels, but stuffradio's receipe sounds way better than just steaming them. I usually saute with loads of chopped garlic

I have grown them several time, but only get teeny tiny sprouts. I want the BIG ones, they don't cool off as fast. I have had them in sun, well composted soil, and last year tried stripping the leaves off the lower stalk. Still teeny, despite long mild fall. What am I missing???
nancyjane_gardener
11 years ago
I've tried them 3 times. The first was the best for size, BUT they were LOADED with aphids!
Even the chi-chi organic market I shop says they don't get the organic BS cause they're eaten up by aphids!
I've given up on them, myself. Good luck! Nancy
azzure08(zone8a)
Original Author
11 years ago
rhizo_1 I am sorry lol. thanks for the information wally
luvncannin
11 years ago
I also hated them as a child but only had them boiled to death. Now I roast them like rhizo_1. They are one of my fav veggies to eat. I also am going to grow them this fall.
Kim
shermthewerm
11 years ago
I have the same problem as nancyjane--aphids! They're not the typical aphid as I have on roses, these guys are sort of powdery-looking & they completely cover the stalks. Also one of my favorite vegetables, so about every 5 years I try growing them thinking "This year will be better. I'll make sure to get those aphids before it's too late." But it's always the same :(

Rizzo's right about Costco, though--their brussels sprouts are amazing. Good luck, azzure!
azzure08(zone8a)
Original Author
11 years ago
the aphids around here are kinda yellow but they are still the devil lol
elisa_z5
11 years ago
In my experience, to get big brussels sprouts takes a long time -- I plant a well started seedling in early April and I'll get good sprouts by November/December.
So if you've got seeds, maybe start indoors in February or March and plant out whenever is good in your region. From seed to something 4 feet tall takes a while!
dfaustclancy
11 years ago
Here it is Jan 4 and I just picked a good couple pounds of b. sprouts. Yes, they were frozen. I'll be sauteing them for tonight's supper and will let you know how they turned out! They were really big! They've been growing since May. I've heard you could leave them on the stalk even after they were frozen, but we shall see!
Deb