There's nothing like delicious Brussels sprouts fresh from the garden!
Easy to grow, these hardy little cabbages are undemanding…
This is the guarantee of a harvest in the heart of winter!
Indeed, Brussels sprouts are perfectly adapted to the coldest temperatures.
And with Brussels sprouts, there's no shortage of recipes!
Pan-fried, accompanied by bacon or lardons, in salads, in a gratin with a béchamel or even in soup... Yummy!
Here are 10 market gardening tips for harvesting delicious Brussels sprouts. Watch:
Click here to easily print this guide in PDF.
1. Cold-hardy, the ideal temperature to grow Brussels sprouts is 15 to 18°C:autumn is the perfect time to grow them.
2. Brussels sprouts need at least 6 hours of sun exposure per day. The more sun, the better.
3. When you put the plants in the ground, space them about 60 cm apart.
4. Mulch the soil liberally to keep it moist. Pull out all weeds by hand to avoid damaging the shallow roots of the plants.
5. Brussels sprouts have tall stems:use stakes or add a little soil around the stems to keep them straight.
6. Brussels sprouts prefer well-drained soil (where water does not stagnate). No need to add too much fertilizer:a little liquid fertilizer once a month is enough.
7. A soil that is too rich in nitrogen harms the development of small apples and causes them to burst.
8. If the leaves at the base of the plant start to turn yellow, cut them off right away.
9. Pinch the clump of leaves at the head of the plants to stimulate the growth of small apples.
10. Harvest Brussels sprouts after the first or second frost of winter for a sweeter taste. Start by picking the sprouts from the base which are quite large, then work your way up the stem.
- Small Brussels sprouts (about 2 to 3 cm) are the most tender.
- Pick the Brussels sprouts by breaking them off the stem.
- Once picked, do not wait to cook them. Brussels sprouts are best eaten the same day or within a few days of harvest, after being placed in the drawer of your refrigerator.
- Brussels sprouts can be frozen if you blanch them first:a great solution to have them all year round!
There are 2 types of varieties of Brussels sprouts.
"Early" varieties are harvested from September to December:
- Rubine Brussels sprout - variety that produces red buds. Good taste quality.
"Late" varieties are harvested from November to March. These winter varieties are not only the latest, but also the tastiest. Indeed, the first frosts improve their taste qualities:
- Rosny Brussels sprout - classic French variety. Appreciated for its firm apples which persist for a long time without opening.
Have you tried these grandma's tricks for growing Brussels sprouts in your garden? Let us know in the comments if it worked. We can't wait to read you!
