A Complete Guide to the Stages of Growing Brussels Sprouts from Seed to Harvest

Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop that requires patience to grow but the sweet nutty flavor of homegrown sprouts is worth the wait. Learning the key stages of growth will help ensure your Brussels sprouts thrive from seed to harvest. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through each phase so you know what to expect.

Overview of Brussels Sprouts Growth Stages

Brussels sprouts go through the following growth phases

• Germination – Seeds sprout and seedlings emerge in 1-3 weeks

• Leaf Growth – Seedlings focus on root and leaf development in the first few weeks.

• Stem Elongation – Plants grow taller and form sturdy stalks over 2-4 months.

• Flowering – Small yellow flowers bloom on top of stalks signaling the start of sprout formation.

• Sprout Development – Sprouts form and swell along the stalks from bottom to top over 1-2 months.

• Maturity – Sprouts reach full size of 1-2 inches in diameter after 3-5 months total.

• Harvest – Mature sprouts are harvested from the bottom up as needed over 1-2 months.

Proper care through each stage is vital for growing healthy, high-yielding Brussels sprout plants.

Brussels Sprouts Stages from Seed to Harvest

Now let’s explore each Brussels sprouts growth phase in more detail:

1. Germination

• Seeds sprout 1-3 weeks after planting when soil temperature is 45-85°F.

• Ensure consistent moisture – seeds can dry out and fail to germinate.

• Cool weather is ideal – seeds won’t germinate if soil is too warm.

• Expect 50-80% germination rate if planting fresh viable seeds.

2. Seedling Stage

• Focus is on root growth and leaf development.

• Seedlings need 12-15 hours of sun for robust growth.

• Keep soil moist, watering when top 1″ is dry. Don’t saturate.

• Thin overcrowded seedlings to proper spacing after 4-6 weeks.

3. Vegetative Growth

• Occurs over 2-4 months as plants grow taller and form sturdy stalks.

• Ideal temperature is 60-70°F during this stage.

• Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to nourish growth.

• Stake or cage plants if needed for support in windy conditions.

4. Flowering

• Initiated by shorter daylight hours and signals start of sprout formation.

• Tiny yellow flowers bloom at tips of stalks in early fall.

• Flowers are not edible – remove to promote sprout growth.

• Sign that sprouts will form in 4-8 weeks if properly cared for.

5. Sprout Development

• Sprouts form along stalks from bottom up over 1-2 months after flowering.

• Ideal temps are 50-65°F for plump sprout growth.

• Soil should be consistently moist – water 1-2 times per week.

• Fertilize every 3-4 weeks to support developing sprouts.

6. Maturity

• Sprouts reach full size of 1-2 inches diameter after 3-5 months total.

• Harvest sprouts promptly once mature to avoid overgrowth.

• Light frost improves flavor but hard freeze damages sprouts.

• Lower leaves yellow and drop as plant declines after producing sprouts.

7. Harvest

• Begin harvesting sprouts from bottom up as they mature.

• Rotate plants, harvesting lowest sprouts first.

• Harvest sprouts by twisting or cutting stalks.

• Brush off any loose outer leaves.

• Store freshly picked sprouts in fridge up to 5 days.

Learning the unique stages of Brussels sprouts growth will help you understand their needs through the season. Monitor your plants and provide ideal conditions during each phase. With proper care from seed to harvest, you’ll enjoy a bountiful crop of this delicious and nutritious vegetable!