Cabbage and Brussels sprouts are both members of the Brassicaceae family, making them close relatives. They share similar growth habits, nutritional requirements, and are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. This has led many gardeners to wonder if it planting cabbage and brussels sprouts together is ideal.
The short answer is yes, cabbage and Brussels sprouts can be planted together. In fact, planting them together can be beneficial as they have similar cultural requirements and can share the same space. However, it is important to keep in mind that they are both heavy feeders and may compete for nutrients if planted too closely together.
Key Takeaways:
- Cabbage and Brussels sprouts can be planted together as they have similar cultural requirements.
- They are both heavy feeders and may compete for nutrients if planted too closely together.
- Companion planting with aromatic plants can help to ward off pests and attract beneficial insects.
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Understanding Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts are both members of the Brassica oleracea family and are related to other popular vegetables like kale, cauliflower, and broccoli. These vegetables are known for their high nutritional value and are a great addition to any healthy diet.
Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in salads, coleslaw, and soups. It is also a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes around the world. Cabbage is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, and has been linked to several health benefits, including improved digestion and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are small, round vegetables that grow on a tall, leafy stalk. They are often roasted or steamed and served as a side dish. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
While cabbage and Brussels sprouts are similar in many ways, there are some differences between the two vegetables. Cabbage has a softer texture and a milder flavor, while Brussels sprouts have a slightly bitter taste and a firmer texture. Additionally, Brussels sprouts are typically smaller than cabbage and take longer to cook.
When it comes to growing these vegetables together, it is generally not recommended. While they are both members of the same family, they have different growth habits and nutrient requirements. Planting them together can lead to competition for resources and may result in stunted growth and lower yields.
Planting Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts Together
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts are both members of the Brassica family, which means they have similar growing requirements and can be planted together in the same garden bed. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planting these two vegetables together.
1. Planting Seedlings
When planting cabbage and Brussels sprouts together, it is best to start with seedlings. This is because both vegetables have a long growing season and can take up to 100 days to mature. Starting with seedlings will give them a head start and ensure that they have enough time to reach maturity before the end of the growing season.
2. Soil and Drainage
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to prepare the soil before planting by adding compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Additionally, both vegetables require a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
3. Shade and Sunlight
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate some shade. When planting these vegetables together, it is important to ensure that they are not shaded by taller plants or structures. If they are shaded, they may become leggy and produce smaller heads.
4. Maturity and Diameter
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts have different maturity times and diameters. Cabbage typically matures in 70 to 80 days and can have a diameter of up to 12 inches, while Brussels sprouts can take up to 100 days to mature and have a diameter of up to 1 inch.
When planting these vegetables together, it is important to consider their maturity times and diameters to ensure that they have enough space to grow and mature.
Companion Plants for Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to companion planting, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are two vegetables that can benefit from having certain plants nearby. Good companion plants for cabbage and Brussels sprouts include aromatic plants like mint, garlic, and marigolds. These plants can help deter pests and improve the overall health of the garden.
Carrots, celery, onions, peas, and potatoes are also good companion plants for cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These plants can help improve soil health and provide nutrients that the vegetables need to grow. Additionally, planting kohlrabi, basil, and other herbs near cabbage and Brussels sprouts can help repel nematodes and other pests.
Nasturtiums, beets, and radishes are also good companion plants for cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These plants can help attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to the garden. Additionally, planting strawberries and other flowers near cabbage and Brussels sprouts can help improve soil health and provide additional nutrients to the vegetables.
Tomatoes, potatoes, beans, peppers, thyme, eggplant, and dill are not good companion plants for cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These plants can attract pests and diseases that can harm the vegetables. On the other hand, onions and peas can be good companion plants for cabbage and Brussels sprouts as they can help repel pests and improve soil health.
Sage, chamomile, and rosemary are also good companion plants for cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These plants can help repel pests and improve soil health. Additionally, planting Swiss chard and parsley near cabbage and Brussels sprouts can help attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Corn and radishes are not good companion plants for cabbage and Brussels sprouts as they can attract pests that can harm the vegetables. However, planting collard greens and other aromatic plants near cabbage and Brussels sprouts can help deter pests and improve the overall health of the garden.
Bush beans, cucumbers, and borage are also good companion plants for cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These plants can help attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to the garden. Additionally, planting geraniums near cabbage and Brussels sprouts can help repel pests and improve soil health.
Pests and Diseases in Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts are part of the same family of plants, Brassicaceae, and as such, they are susceptible to similar pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect cabbage and Brussels sprouts:
Pests
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the undersides of leaves and cause stunted growth and yellowing. They can be deterred by planting companion plants that attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
- Flea beetle: These tiny black beetles can cause small holes in leaves and slow growth. They can be deterred by planting trap crops like radishes or using row covers.
- Japanese beetles: These metallic green and bronze beetles can skeletonize leaves and cause severe damage. They can be controlled with insecticides or by handpicking them off the plants.
- Cabbage loopers and cabbage worms: These caterpillars can chew through leaves and cause significant damage. They can be controlled with insecticides or by handpicking them off the plants.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut through stems at the base of the plant, causing the plant to wilt and die. They can be controlled by placing collars around the base of the plant or using insecticides.
Diseases
- Clubroot: This soil-borne disease can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. It can be prevented by rotating crops and planting resistant varieties.
- Whiteflies: These small, winged insects can cause yellowing of leaves and transmit viruses. They can be deterred by planting companion plants that attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
- Thrips: These tiny insects can cause distorted growth and silvering of leaves. They can be deterred by planting companion plants that attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
- Moths: These flying insects can lay eggs on leaves, and the resulting caterpillars can cause significant damage. They can be controlled with insecticides or by handpicking them off the plants.
- Mosquitoes: These flying insects can transmit viruses and cause significant damage to plants. They can be deterred by using insecticides or planting companion plants that deter pests like basil and mint.
To prevent pests and diseases, it is essential to keep the plants healthy and well-watered. Additionally, planting companion plants that deter pests and attract beneficial insects can help reduce pest problems.
Harvesting Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts are both cool-weather crops that can be harvested in late summer or fall. When it comes to harvesting, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a successful crop.
Harvesting Cabbage
Cabbage heads are ready to harvest when they feel firm to the touch and have reached their desired size, which is typically around 6-8 inches in diameter. To harvest cabbage, simply use a sharp knife to cut the head off at the base, leaving a few outer leaves attached to protect the head during transport.
If you planted your cabbage in pots, gently lift the plant out of the pot by the base of the stem and cut the head off as described above. If you have more than one cabbage plant, stagger your harvests to ensure that you don’t end up with too much cabbage at once.
Harvesting Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are harvested a bit differently than cabbage. Instead of harvesting the entire plant at once, you will harvest the individual sprouts as they mature. The sprouts will start to form at the base of the plant and work their way up the stem.
To harvest Brussels sprouts, simply snap or cut the sprouts off the stem when they have reached their desired size, which is typically around 1-2 inches in diameter. The lower sprouts will mature first, so start at the bottom of the plant and work your way up.
If you planted your Brussels sprouts in pots, you can still harvest them in the same way. However, it’s important to note that Brussels sprouts tend to take up quite a bit of space, so you may want to consider planting them in larger pots or in the ground if you have the space.
Other Vegetables in the Cabbage Family
Apart from cabbage and Brussels sprouts, there are several other vegetables that belong to the cabbage family. These vegetables share similar growing conditions and are susceptible to similar pests and diseases. Companion planting can help to improve the health and yield of these vegetables, as well as ward off pests and diseases.
1. Kale
Kale is a highly nutritious and easy-to-grow vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It is a cool-season crop that grows best in well-drained soil and full sun.
Kale is a good companion plant for other members of the cabbage family, as well as for beans, beets, celery, onions, and potatoes. It is also a good companion plant for herbs like chamomile, dill, and mint.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is another vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It is a cool-season crop that grows best in well-drained soil and full sun. Broccoli is a good companion plant for other members of the cabbage family, as well as for beets, carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. It is also a good companion plant for herbs like chamomile, dill, and thyme.
3. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cool-season crop that belongs to the cabbage family. It grows best in well-drained soil and full sun. Cauliflower is a good companion plant for other members of the cabbage family, as well as for beets, carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. It is also a good companion plant for herbs like chamomile, dill, and thyme.
Other Cabbage Family Vegetables
Other cabbage family vegetables that can be grown together include bok choy, collard greens, kohlrabi, and turnips. These vegetables share similar growing conditions and are susceptible to similar pests and diseases. Companion planting can help to improve the health and yield of these vegetables, as well as ward off pests and diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables grow well with Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts are part of the Brassica family, which includes kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. These plants have similar nutrient requirements and can grow well together. Other vegetables that can be grown alongside Brussels sprouts include carrots, beets, lettuce, and spinach.
What vegetables can cabbage be planted together?
Cabbage grows well with other members of the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Carrots, onions, and beets are also good companions for cabbage.
What not to plant with sprouts?
Brussels sprouts should not be planted near plants that require a lot of nitrogen, such as legumes (peas and beans) and corn. They should also not be planted near plants that attract aphids, such as tomatoes and peppers.
Can squash and Brussel sprouts be planted together?
Squash and Brussels sprouts are not recommended to be planted together as they have different nutrient requirements and growing habits. Squash needs a lot of space to grow, while Brussels sprouts prefer cooler temperatures and moist soil.
Can you plant Brussel sprouts next to broccoli?
Yes, Brussels sprouts and broccoli can be planted together as they are both part of the Brassica family and have similar nutrient requirements.
Can onions and Brussel sprouts be planted together?
Onions can be planted with Brussels sprouts as they can help repel pests such as aphids and cabbage worms. However, onions have different nutrient requirements and should not be planted too close to Brussels sprouts.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below