Brussels Sprouts Growing Guide Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Rich, deep soil, firm with plenty of well rotted compost dug in. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Yes, improves with frost. Feeding Mix a high-nitrogen compost into the soil before planting. Spacing Single Plants: 60cm (1' 11") each way (minimum) Rows: 60cm (1' 11") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow late summer to autumn in most areas. Plant out when thumb height. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Use fine mesh or exclusion netting over the warmer months to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Protect against birds which can damage the young seedlings and overwintering crops. May need supportive stakes during the winter. Harvesting Harvest from the bottom of the plant upward, twisting off sprouts that are larger than a marble. Removing nearby leaves helps to make room for growing sprouts. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Brussels Sprouts Aphid, Cabbage Aphids (General) Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Brussels Sprouts Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Black Rot Brassica Club Root Brassica Downy Mildew