Where Can I Buy Brussel Sprout Plants? The Ultimate Guide

Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that is highly nutritious and delicious. They are a great addition to any garden and can be easily grown with the right conditions. However, many people may wonder where they can buy Brussel sprout plants to start their garden.

There are several options for purchasing Brussels sprouts plants. Local garden centers and nurseries often carry seedlings or young plants that are ready to be transplanted into the garden.

Online retailers also offer a wide variety of Brussels sprouts plants for sale, which can be shipped directly to your home. It’s important to choose a reputable seller and ensure that the plants are healthy and disease-free.

Key Takeaways on Where to Buy Brussel Sprout Plants

• Local garden centers and nurseries as well as online retailers offer Brussels sprouts plants for sale.
• Choose a reputable seller and ensure that the plants are healthy and disease-free.
• With the right conditions, Brussels sprouts are easy to grow and a delicious addition to any garden.

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Understanding Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that belongs to the same family as cabbage, kale, and broccoli. They are miniature cabbages that grow along thick stems of 2 ft. tall plants. They are high in protein and vitamin C and have a unique sweet flavor.

The stem of the Brussels sprouts plant is the main part of the plant that supports the buds. The buds are the edible part of the plant that are harvested when they are firm and about the size of a walnut. Brussels sprouts are usually harvested 100 days after planting, and the best time to harvest them is after the first frost.

There are many different varieties of Brussels sprouts available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some cultivars are more compact and consistent in their growth, while others have a sweeter flavor or a deeper green color.

When selecting Brussels sprout plants, it is important to choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Some varieties are better suited to cooler climates, while others can tolerate warmer temperatures.

Where to Buy Brussels Sprouts Plants

Brussels sprouts plants can be found in a variety of locations, from local nurseries to online retailers. Here are a few options for purchasing Brussels sprouts plants:

1. Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

One of the most popular places to buy Brussels sprouts plants is at a local nursery or garden center. These stores often carry a variety of different types of Brussels sprouts plants, including popular varieties like Jade Cross, Long Island Improved, and Green Gems.

When purchasing Brussels sprouts plants from a local nursery or garden center, it is important to inspect the plants carefully before buying. Look for plants that are healthy and free from disease or pests. Additionally, make sure that the plants are the right size for your garden and that they are suitable for the climate in your area.

2. Online Retailers

Another option for purchasing Brussels sprouts plants is to shop online. There are a variety of online retailers that specialize in selling plants, including Brussels sprouts plants.

When shopping online for Brussels sprouts plants, it is important to choose a reputable retailer. Look for a retailer that has good reviews and a solid reputation for selling healthy plants. Additionally, make sure that the retailer ships plants to your area and that the plants will arrive in good condition.

3. Heirloom Varieties

For gardeners who are interested in growing heirloom varieties of Brussels sprouts, there are a variety of specialty seed companies that offer these types of plants.

Some popular heirloom varieties of Brussels sprouts include Redarling and Jade Cross. When purchasing heirloom Brussels sprouts plants, it is important to choose a reputable seed company that specializes in heirloom varieties.

Additionally, make sure that the plants are suitable for the climate in your area and that you have the right growing conditions to support them.

Ideal Conditions for Growing Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that grows best in temperatures between 60-65°F. They require full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day, but they do not like hot weather. In fact, temperatures above 75°F can cause the plants to bolt, or prematurely produce flowers, which reduces the yield of the crop.

Brussels sprouts are frost-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F. In fact, some gardeners believe that a light frost can improve the flavor of the sprouts. However, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plants, so it’s important to protect them during the winter months.

When it comes to soil, Brussels sprouts prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.0-7.5. They also require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it’s a good idea to amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and texture.

Brussels sprouts are typically grown as a fall crop, but they can also be planted in the spring for a summer harvest. In general, it takes about 90-100 days from planting to harvest. Gardeners in colder climates should plant their Brussels sprouts in the spring, while those in warmer regions can plant them in the fall.

Brussels sprouts are hardy in USDA growing zones 3-9. Gardeners in colder regions should choose a variety that is adapted to their climate, while those in warmer regions can choose a variety that is more heat-tolerant. Some popular varieties of Brussels sprouts include Long Island Improved, Jade Cross, and Diablo.

Planting Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a cool season crop that can be grown in a garden or a container garden. They are typically planted in the early spring or late summer, depending on the climate.

If planting from seeds, they should be started indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date for the area. The seeds should be planted in a seed starting mix and kept moist until they sprout. Once they have sprouted, they should be placed in a sunny location or under grow lights.

When the seedlings are about 3 to 4 inches tall, they can be transplanted into the garden or a container garden. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Brussels sprouts prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.

The plants should be spaced about 2 to 3 feet apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. They should be planted at the same depth as they were in the seedling container. After planting, the soil should be watered well.

Brussels sprouts can also be planted directly in the garden. They should be planted in the early spring or late summer, depending on the climate. The seeds should be planted about 1/2 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Once they have sprouted, they should be thinned to about 18 inches apart.

If planting in a container garden, choose a container that is at least 18 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. The container should have drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and plant the seedlings as described above.

Caring for Your Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that requires proper care to thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for your Brussels sprouts and ensure a bountiful yield.

Planting and Frost

Brussels sprouts are a cold-hardy crop that can withstand light frosts. In fact, some gardeners believe that the flavor of Brussels sprouts improves after a frost. However, if the temperature drops below 20°F (-6°C), the plants may be damaged or killed.

Therefore, it is important to plant Brussels sprouts early enough in the season to allow them to mature before the first hard frost.

Tips for Caring for Your Brussels Sprouts

• Watering: Brussels sprouts require consistent moisture to grow properly. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilizing: Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks, or use a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
• Upright Growth: Brussels sprouts grow upright and tall, up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height. To prevent the plants from toppling over, stake them or use a trellis to support them.
• Nutrients: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of nutrients, including vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. To maximize their nutritional value, harvest the sprouts when they are firm and bright green.
• Favorite Varieties: Some popular varieties of Brussels sprouts include ‘Long Island Improved’, ‘Jade Cross’, and ‘Diablo’. Choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate and growing conditions.

Yield

Brussels sprouts typically produce 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg) of sprouts per plant. To maximize your yield, plant your Brussels sprouts in fertile, well-drained soil and provide them with plenty of water and nutrients.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest when they have reached their full size, usually around 1 to 2 inches in diameter, and have a firm texture. The sprouts grow along thick stalks, which can be harvested as well.

It is recommended to wait until after the first frost to harvest Brussels sprouts, as the cold temperatures can enhance their flavor and sweetness. However, if the weather is expected to turn extremely cold, it is better to harvest the sprouts beforehand to avoid damage.

To harvest Brussels sprouts, simply snap or cut off the sprouts from the stalks, starting from the bottom and working your way up. It is important to leave the leaves and the top of the stalks intact, as they can continue to produce sprouts.

The sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or blanched and frozen for longer storage. To blanch, simply boil the sprouts for 3-5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, drain the sprouts and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 8 months.

Other Plants to Grow with Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that can be grown alongside other plants to maximize space and yield. When choosing companion plants, it is essential to consider plants that will not compete for resources or attract pests. Here are some plants that can be grown alongside Brussels sprouts:

• Cabbage: Cabbage is a member of the same family as Brussels sprouts, and they share similar growing conditions. Growing cabbage alongside Brussels sprouts can help repel pests like cabbage worms and aphids.
  
• Tea: Tea plants can be grown alongside Brussels sprouts as they thrive in the same acidic soil conditions. The tea plant’s shallow root system also makes it an ideal companion plant as it does not compete for resources.
  
• Broccoli and Cauliflower: Broccoli and cauliflower are also members of the same family as Brussels sprouts, and they have similar nutrient requirements. Growing these plants together can help maximize space and yield.
  
• Beets: Beets are a great companion plant for Brussels sprouts as they help add magnesium to the soil, which can help Brussels sprouts grow well.
  
• Onions: Onions are a natural pest repellent and can help deter pests like aphids and cabbage worms from attacking Brussels sprouts.
  
• Potatoes: Potatoes are also a natural pest repellent and can help repel pests like potato beetles and flea beetles.
  
• Herb Plants: Herb plants like sage, chamomile, garlic, marigold, dill, basil, and rosemary can be grown alongside Brussels sprouts. These plants can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
  
• Pears: Pears are a fruit tree that can be grown alongside Brussels sprouts. Pears are a shallow-rooted tree, which means they do not compete for resources. The trees’ height can also provide shade for the Brussels sprouts, which can help prevent them from bolting in hot weather.

When choosing companion plants for Brussels sprouts, it is essential to consider the plant’s nutrient requirements, pest resistance, and root systems. By growing these plants together, you can maximize space and yield while minimizing pest problems.

Frequently Asked Questions