How To Grow BIG Brussel Sprouts | EASY Guide

Growing brussels sprouts can be a rewarding experience, especially when you learn how to prune them so that they produce large, flavorful sprouts.

Brussel sprouts are one of my favorite plants to grow in the garden, because of how they look and because of their taste. You know how sometimes you grow your own food that you normally buy at the market or grocery store, and the taste is so much better and sweeter? This is one of those vegetables- I couldn't believe how sweet home grown brussell sprouts were.

*This is a photo of one of my brussel sprout harvests from this fall!

Another reason I love growing these, is due to their cold hardiness. I live in southern Canada, and I picked my last sprout plant this December. They are very cold hardy and can stay in your garden well past fall harvest.

I am going to share my tips and tricks for helping all the sprouts develop as young plants in the early spring and early summer to big, beautiful and well-producing plants in the fall. I also took a video in the garden this summer showing exactly how I do this, I'll be sure to include it in this article!

All About Brussels Sprouts

What Are Brussels Sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are a member of the brassica family, closely related to cabbage, broccoli, and kale. These small vegetables grow along the stem of the plant, making them a unique addition to any garden.

These little vegetables are amazing as a side dish, grilled (especially with some soya sauce and balsamic vinegar!) and shredded in a zesty lime and cranberry salad. Plus they are so good for you!

Here are some oven cooked brussel sprouts from my garden, they were delicious!!:

Nutritional Components of Brussel Sprouts

According to the USDA, the nutritional facts about brussel sprouts shows that 100g alone has:

• 42mg of calcium
• 1.4mg of iron
• 23mg of magnesium
• 69mg of phosphorous

• 389mg of potassium

and so many more of those important nutrients and vitamins we all crave and need!

Planting Brussels Sprouts

Starting from Seed or Seedlings

• Seeds: Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost or directly in the garden 4 months before the first expected frost.

• Seedlings: Transplant seedlings into the garden when they are 4-6 weeks old and have 4-6 true leaves, or you can purchase seedlings directly from your local garden center and plant directly.

Spacing and Planting Depth

• Spacing: Leave 18-24 inches between plants to allow for airflow and growth.

• Planting Depth: Cover seeds with about ½ inch of soil. Seedlings should be planted at the same depth they were growing in their containers.

Pruning for Bigger Brussels Sprouts

Why Pruning Matters

This is the most important part if you are wondering how to grow big sprouts. Pruning helps direct the plant's energy toward sprout production rather than excessive leaf growth. By strategically removing leaves, you can encourage larger, healthier sprouts.

Here is a photo from my garden this summer of my pruning, you can see the leaf pile accumulating as I go!:

Once your plant gets tall, you start pruning at the bottom of the plant by clipping off the big leaves, and travel up the entire plant, only leaving a few layers of leaves at the top so that they can still get all of the nutrients from the sunlight to grow big brussel sprouts.

Here are some further details for pruning your plants:

When to Prune

• Begin pruning when sprouts start forming along the stem, typically 6-8 weeks after planting.
• Continue pruning as the plant matures, focusing on lower leaves first.
  
  

How to Prune

Step-by-Step Guide to Pruning

1. Identify Mature Leaves: Look for yellowing or older leaves at the base of the plant. These are the first to go.
2. Use Clean Tools: Try to use sterilized shears or scissors to prevent disease spread.
3. Remove Lower Leaves: Cut leaves close to the stem without damaging it. Remove 3-4 leaves at a time.
4. Maintain a Leaf Crown: Leave 5-7 leaves at the top of the plant. These leaves are crucial for photosynthesis and sprout development.
   
   

Additional Tips

• Do not prune more than necessary; over-pruning can stress the plant.
• Regularly monitor for new or yellowing or damaged leaves and remove them promptly.
• Mulch at the base of the plant.
• Add a drip irrigation line under your mulch, this way water will not be sprinkling the sprout or the top leaves which could cause powdery mildew, plus, it will keep your soil perfectly moist and remove that watering job from you if you place it on a timer!
• Plant into a weed barrier, which is a roll of material you can lay down and burn holes into for planting. This keeps weeds away.
  
  

Here is a visual for you to help:

How To Grow Brussel Sprout Video: Watch How I Prune

I took a video to show exactly what I mean. This is on my Farmer's Cupboard YouTube channel, if you like this kind of content, I would love it if you subscribed! :)

Check out our channel and subscribe on YouTube HERE!

General Care Tips: What Brussel Sprouts Require

Fertile Soil

• Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to ensure consistent growth.
• Side-dress plants with compost or aged manure mid-season for an extra nutrient boost.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged when you plant brussels sprouts.
• Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Management

• Common Pests: Watch for aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
  *Read how to make DIY Insecticidal soap HERE
• Diseases: Prevent fungal issues by ensuring proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

When to Harvest

• Sprouts are ready to harvest when they are firm and about 1-2 inches in diameter. I like to eat some through the late summer and fall, and save the rest for an early winter harvest as these plants are a cool weather crop, and can continue to thrive in cold weather.
• Begin harvesting from the bottom of the stem and work your way up as they mature, or, cut the entire plant down to bring in and use all the sprouts growing on it for a big family dinner!

Here was the last of my harvest this year, in December:

How to Harvest

• Snap sprouts off the stem by hand or use a knife for a clean cut (I prefer a sharp knife, myself).

Quick Pruning Tips

• Remove 3-4 leaves at a time, starting with the oldest ones.
• Focus on maintaining 5-7 healthy leaves at the top.
• Prune regularly to encourage consistent sprout growth.

FAQs About Growing Brussels Sprouts

How often should I prune my brussels sprouts?

You should prune as needed throughout the growing season, typically every 1-2 weeks. Focus on removing yellowing or damaged leaves and maintaining a healthy crown of leaves at the top.

Can I over-prune my plants?

Yes, over-pruning can stress the plant and reduce sprout production. Limit pruning to a few leaves at a time and always leave 5-7 leaves at the top.

What should I do if my sprouts are not forming?

• Check if the plant is receiving enough sunlight and nutrients.
• Ensure proper spacing to avoid competition for resources.
• Focus on pruning to redirect energy toward sprout development.
• Look for other problems: are weeds taking over at the bottom and absorbing all the nutrients? Are there aphids? Is there powdery mildew on leaves?

When is the best time to prune?

Prune in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize stress on the plant.

I really hope you enjoyed this article and that you get a gorgeous crop of healthy, big brussel sprouts on your next season!

Here are some other articles you may be interested in reading:

How To Tap Trees For Syrup

Where To Buy Real Beeswax

Gift Ideas For Gardeners

How To Make Beeswax Wraps

Best Soil For Starting Seeds

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