When is the best time to plant Brussels sprouts?

The planting time for Brussels sprouts should be determined according to the characteristics of the variety and the cultivation method. In the Shanghai area, early-maturing varieties are mainly used, sown in late July to early August each year; under protective cultivation, early and mid-maturing varieties are mostly chosen, sown from late July to early September.

Brussels sprouts cultivation techniques

1. Land preparation and transplanting

For transplanting Brussels sprouts, soil of medium fertility should be chosen, applying 5000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer and 25 kg of vegetable-specific compound fertilizer per mu, opening furrows and building beds 90 cm wide, with furrows 30 cm wide and 25 cm deep, opening 1 cross ditch every 15 m, and opening perimeter ditches around, 25 cm wide and 35 cm deep, and leveling the bed surface. Plant 2 rows per bed, with a plant spacing of 45 cm, and 2000 plants per mu.

2. Fertilizer and water management

After transplanting, water promptly to settle the roots; after the seedlings have recovered, irrigate promptly to promote plant growth, and thereafter replenish water promptly when the soil lacks moisture, keeping the soil moisture content at 70%-80%. Brussels sprouts have a long growth period, so in addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer, 4 topdressings are also needed.

3. Intertillage and weeding

Because the main root of Brussels sprouts is not well developed and is distributed in a relatively shallow soil layer, earthing up around the roots is needed. After transplanting, watering is needed many times, and the bed surface tends to become compacted, so intertillage should be carried out 3-4 times in combination with weeding, loosening the soil and earthing up around the roots, to loosen the bed surface, promote vigorous growth and root development, and prevent the plants from lodging and affecting the formation and swelling of the sprouts. 

4. Shaping and pruning

When small sprouts form on the middle part of the Brussels sprouts stalk, the lower old leaves can be removed to facilitate ventilation and light penetration in the field, promote sprout development, and also make it easier to harvest the sprouts. At the same time, remove the growing tip at the right time to inhibit upward growth of the plant, reduce nutrient consumption, and benefit sprout growth.

5. Harvesting and sorting

Harvest when the sprouts are tightly closed and the waxy surface of the sprouts is shiny. Early-maturing varieties begin harvesting 90-100 days after transplanting, and mid-maturing varieties begin harvesting 105-115 days after transplanting. The harvesting period of Brussels sprouts is relatively long. In the Shanghai area, harvesting generally begins in December, and if fertilizer and water are managed properly, with certain heat preservation measures taken in winter, harvesting can continue until the end of February the following year.