Hortinova
GRONINGER - Open Pollinated Heirloom Brussels Sprouts Seeds
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Mid-late maturity.
- Medium to small green sprouts.
- Easy to grow and steady producing variety.
- Maintains a delicate flavor even in variable weather.
- Can handle a light frost and will improve in flavor with cold weather.
- Perfect variety for first-time hobby gardeners.
- Open-pollinated Belgian Heirloom variety.
- Natural, Untreated, Non-GMO Seeds.
Brussels sprouts may be started from seed indoors or sown directly into the garden. It is recommended to start seeds indoors just after the last spring frost, as this gives seedlings a head start and helps to protect them from summer heat and pests. Direct-sown seeds can take a few weeks longer to mature, so add 20 days to your planting date calculation if you plan to sow outdoors. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep. If direct-sowing seeds outdoors, sow seeds about 2 to 3 inches apart. (Seedlings should be thinned to 12 to 24 inches apart when they reach about 6 inches tall). Water well at time of sowing/transplanting.
THIN: Thin to the strongest plants to 12 to 24 inches apart when they reach 6 inches tall.
PLANT OUT: Transplants should be set out when they have 6-8 true leaves. Space transplants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart in rows 75-90cm (30-36″) apart. Choose a planting site that gets full sun (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Raised beds are especially recommended for cool-season vegetables, especially in the spring and fall, when temperatures are not consistent. Soil should be well-draining and moderately fertile. Due to Brussels sprouts’ need for a long growing season, we recommend planting them with a fall or winter harvest in mind. They do best when allowed to mature during the cool days of fall. Generally, this means sowing Brussels sprout seeds about 4 months before your first fall frost date.
WATER: If growing during hot weather, be sure to keep the plants well-watered. Inconsistent moisture can lead to subpar sprout development. Brussels sprouts should receive about 1 to 1½ inches of water per square foot per week. Mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature cool through summer.
FEED: Work several inches of aged manure and/or compost into the soil to improve soil fertility and texture. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich product after thinning. Repeat every 3 to 4 weeks.
SUPPORT: Brussels sprout plants usually reach heights of 2 to 3 feet, so plan accordingly; they may require staking.
PROTECT: Consider using row covers to protect young plants from pests. Brussels sprouts are usually planted outdoors right when pests are at their worst. Do not disturb the soil around the plants; roots are shallow and susceptible to damage.
Remove yellowing leaves at the bottom of the plant to allow for more sunlight on the stalk and to focus plant energy on healthy growth. To encourage the sprouts to mature faster, cut off the top leaves 3 to 4 weeks before harvest. Sprouts mature from the bottom of the stalk upwards. Harvest sprouts from the bottom when they reach about 1 inch in diameter. If desired, after a moderate frost, pull up the entire stalk, roots and all. (Remove leaves first.) Then hang stalk upside down in a cool, dry basement or garage or barn. Store stalks (no roots) for about 1 month in a root cellar or basement. Do not wash the sprouts before storing them, only right before use. Keep fresh-picked sprouts in a plastic bag for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
