Brussels sproutsBrassica oleracea var. gemmifera

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts

1. Brassica oleracea gemmifera
2. Brussel Sprouts

1. Brassica oleracea gemmifera
2. Brussel Sprouts

1. Brussels sprouts

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Core eudicots
5. Rosids
6. Malvids

Mustard family

1. Buds
2. Leaves

1. TaskSowing

   Label

   Sowing (pre-culture)

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 2

   ConditionIndoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow indoors for early varieties.

1. TaskTransplanting

   Label

   Pricking out

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionSeedlings in pots

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Prick out seedlings into individual pots once they have developed their first true leaves.

1. TaskSowing

   Label

   Sowing (open ground)

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   ConditionSoil temperature > 10°C

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Direct sow into the open ground as soon as the soil is warm.

2. TaskTransplanting

   Label

   Transplanting

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   ConditionAfter last frost, hardened off

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Transplant pre-grown young plants into the open ground when the risk of frost has passed.

1. TaskTransplanting

   Label

   Transplanting

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6

   ConditionAfter last frost, hardened off

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Set out young plants in the open ground. Ensure adequate spacing.

2. TaskWatering

   Label

   Watering

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8

   ConditionDry spells

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.

1. TaskFertilizing

   Label

   Fertilizing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   ConditionGrowing season

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Provide plants with nutrients, e.g., through compost or organic fertilizer.

2. TaskPest control

   Label

   Pest control

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8
   4. 9

   ConditionVisible pests

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Regularly check for pests like cabbage white butterflies, flea beetles, and slugs, and control them promptly.

1. TaskWatering

   Label

   Watering

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   ConditionDry spells

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for sprout development.

2. TaskFertilizing

   Label

   Fertilizing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   ConditionGrowing season

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   A second fertilization may be necessary to support growth.

1. TaskPest control

   Label

   Pest control

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8
   2. 9

   ConditionVisible pests

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Pay particular attention to cabbage white butterflies and slugs.

1. TaskHarvesting

   Label

   Harvest preparation

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionApproaching maturity

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Remove lower, yellowing leaves to improve air circulation and facilitate harvesting.

1. TaskHarvesting

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10
   2. 11
   3. 12
   4. 1
   5. 2
   6. 3

   ConditionSprouts firm and developed

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest the sprouts from bottom to top, starting with the ripest. Frost improves flavor.

1. TaskHarvesting

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 11
   2. 12
   3. 1
   4. 2
   5. 3

   ConditionSprouts firm and developed

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvesting can continue. Protect plants with fleece if necessary.

1. TaskHarvesting

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 12
   2. 1
   3. 2
   4. 3

   ConditionSprouts firm and developed

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Especially flavorful after the first frost. Continue harvesting.

Sunny to partial shade

Sheltered from wind

Prefers a sunny location but tolerates partial shade. Protection from strong winds is beneficial.

Humus-rich, deep, loose, nutrient-rich

Well-draining

Requires deep, moist, but well-draining soil. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Regularly and consistently, especially during dry periods

Best at the root zone to prevent leaf diseases

Consistent moisture promotes the development of firm sprouts. Avoid waterlogging.

Heavy feeder, requires ample nutrients

Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Top-dress during the growing season with organic liquid fertilizer or horn shavings.

Nitrogen and potassium are particularly important for sprout development.

Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders and should not be grown after other brassicas or on plots where heavy feeders were grown in previous years.

1. Cabbage white butterflies
2. Flea beetles
3. Slugs and snails
4. Cabbage root flies
5. Aphids

1. Fungal diseases (e.g., Alternaria, Downy mildew)
2. Bacterial diseases
3. Clubroot

1. Strictly adhere to crop rotation (at least 3-4 years break after brassicas).
2. Choose disease-resistant varieties.
3. Ensure good ventilation (adequate plant spacing).
4. Avoid waterlogging and ensure good drainage.
5. Strengthen plants through balanced fertilization and watering.
6. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases.
7. Remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately.
8. Promote beneficial insects (e.g., by creating flower strips).

Diagnosing problems in Brussels sprouts requires careful observation of symptoms and environmental conditions. Often, the causes are a combination of pests, diseases, and environmental factors. Early detection is crucial for successful management.

1. Slugalternaria_brassicae

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Moderate temperatures (15-25°C)
   3. Poor ventilation

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems
   3. Sprouts

   Prevention

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Disease-resistant varieties
   3. Good ventilation
   4. Soil improvement

   Organic control

   1. Removal of infected parts
   2. Biological fungicides (copper, sulfur sparingly)
2. Slugperonospora_parasitica

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Wetness
   3. Moderate temperatures (10-20°C)

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Disease-resistant varieties
   3. Good ventilation
   4. Watering at the base

   Organic control

   1. Removal of infected leaves
   2. Biological fungicides (copper sparingly)
3. Slugplasmodiophora_brassicae

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Moist, acidic soil
   2. Moderate temperatures (15-20°C)

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Lower stem

   Prevention

   1. Strict crop rotation (long break)
   2. Liming to raise pH
   3. Resistant varieties
   4. Good drainage

   Organic control

   1. Destroy infected plants
   2. Soil disinfection (calcium cyanamide)

1. Symptom

   Small, round holes in the leaves

   Possible causes

   1. erdfloh

   First checks

   1. Are small, jumping beetles visible on the plants or in the soil?
   2. Are the holes fresh or old?
2. Symptom

   Yellowing and wilting of leaves, especially in damp weather

   Possible causes

   1. falscher_mehldau
   2. staunässe

   First checks

   1. Is a whitish-gray coating visible on the underside of leaves (Downy mildew)?
   2. Is the soil persistently wet (waterlogging)?
   3. Are the roots healthy or rotten?
3. Symptom

   Round, dark spots on leaves with concentric rings

   Possible causes

   1. alternaria_brassicae

   First checks

   1. Are the spots typical for Alternaria?
   2. Are the leaves heavily affected and dropping?
4. Symptom

   Swollen, gall-like growths on the roots

   Possible causes

   1. plasmodiophora_brassicae

   First checks

   1. Carefully dig up the plant and examine the roots.
   2. Is the soil acidic or moist?

Diagnosing problems in Brussels sprouts requires careful observation of symptoms and environmental conditions. Often, the causes are a combination of pests, diseases, and environmental factors. Early detection is crucial for successful management.

1. Germination
2. Growth (leaves and stems)
3. Sprout formation
4. Sprout maturity
5. Harvest

Brussels sprouts are biennial but are usually cultivated as annuals. The development of the sprouts takes several months.

Continuously over several weeks to months

1. Sprouts are firm and well-developed
2. Size of sprouts (depending on variety)
3. Beginning of frost period (improves flavor)

Sprouts can be harvested directly from the stalk. Lower sprouts mature first. If necessary, entire stalks can be harvested and sprouts removed gradually.

Cool and dry

1-2 weeks in the refrigerator; several months when frozen.

1. Freezing
2. Pickling (e.g., in vinegar)
3. Drying

1. Buds (sprouts)
2. Young leaves

All parts of the plant are edible and non-toxic.

Young sprouts and leaves can be consumed raw, but are often somewhat bitter. Finely sliced as a salad or in smoothies.

Brussels sprouts are herbaceous biennial plants and do not require specific details for woody crop cultivation.

As a cultivated plant, Brussels sprouts offer limited value for wildlife and pollinators unless allowed to flower in their second year. The flowers then attract bees.