Growing Brussel Sprouts in Queensland

This cool season crop loves cold, wet winters and produces an abundance of miniature cabbages on long stalks. Get them into the garden nice and early to make the most of the short, cool growing season in Queensland. Mulch and feed them well, and they will eventually reward you with a delicious harvest.

Be sure to keep the soil rich and well compacted. These top-heavy plants can topple over if they aren’t anchored firmly in the soil.

Brussels sprouts actually prefer a bit of shade, but grow well enough in full sun if the weather remains cool.

Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders, so dig in some well-rotted manure and compost, as well as some lime if necessary.

Plant every 4 weeks during the planting season to prolong the harvest.

Seeds are best started in trays and transplanted into the garden once they’re established. Keep the soil damp while they germinate. They need plenty of light once they’re up to stop them from getting too leggy.

Plant every 4 weeks during the planting season to prolong the harvest.

Plant in heavy clay soils where possible. These plants are big and top-heavy. A nice, firm soil helps to keep them from toppling over in strong winds.

About 60 to 80 days before harvest, pick the leaves of the lower part of the plant, to encourage better sprout growth. Be sure to leave enough leaves for the plant to keep growing and putting energy into lovely big sprouts.

Brussel sprouts like cool, moist roots. Be sure to keep their soil damp during the drier Autumn and Winter months.

Brussels sprouts needs lots of nitrogen for their early growth. Add well-rotted manure or fish emulsion through the early part of the season. Do not to overfeed with nitrogen towards the end of their growth, as this can cause the sprouts to turn brown. Once the sprouts start to form, give them a balanced feed every four weeks.

Mulching brussels sprouts helps to keep the soil moist and cool. Apply a generous layer of organic mulch like lucerne or sugarcane.

Pick sprouts when they are walnut sized and still firm. Harvest from the bottom of the plant up.