Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts,  a hardy, slow-growing vegetable they resemble miniature cabbages . Brussel Sprouts can be grown with fair success in most areas of the country. In mild areas, or where there is deep snow cover, the sprouts may overwinter.

Healthy well cultivated/ maintained plants should produce 50 to 75 heads. In all but the most northern states, and Provinces summers are usually too warm for completely satisfactory production from spring plantings. Plants set out in late spring to early summer grow satisfactorily and mature high-quality sprouts when the fall weather begins to cool.

Planting Transplant in early summer to midsummer . Spring planting is done from late April to early May, with fall plantings done in late June. The seed should be sown in a protected location in peat pots or seed flats, 4 to 5 weeks before transplanting.  {It will takes 90 to 95 days to reach full maturity .}Transplant the seedlings to the permanent garden location when space and time allow; but at least 90 to 100 days before the first frost date for your area. For summer harvest, you must plant transplants of an early, heat-resistant variety in very early spring. Sprouts maturing in hot weather or under dry conditions are more likely to develop bitterness. Fall production is the most practical and rewarding in most parts of the country. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart in the row, or 24 inches in all directions in beds. Cover seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and transplant the seedlings when they are about 3 inches tall. Do not allow transplants to become stunted in the flats before transplanting. Watering Moisture during the summer is critical to keep the plants healthy Brussel sprouts are not very drought tolerant, plants will become stressed and growth will be impeded. Inexpensive water systems are available. Fertilizer Brussel Sprouts have high nitrogen and boron requirements, for a good harvest- Follow a nitrogen fixing crop in your rotation -such as  beans or peas if possible. Osmocote ,a time released fertilizer works well and has become very popular , lasting for up to 4 months. An organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion can be used bi-weekly. Soil Ph should be to 6.5 or higher [See Also Soil PH Companion Planting Brussel Sprouts share a symbiosis with Potatoes, Sage, Hyssop, and Thyme and have an antagonistic relationship with Strawberries and Rosemary Pest & Disease Problems for Brussels Sprouts Aphids are Yellowish-pink to pale green plant lice that suck ......plant juices. They are a soft-bodied, oval/pear shaped insect and are commonly found on nearly all varieties of plants, vegetables, field crops, and fruit trees. repels bugs from your plants, fruits and flowers. 100% natural spray uses pepper extract and wax to effectively discourage pests. Helps to reduce stress on cuttings. Aphids have many natural enemies such as lady beetle green lacewing larvae, and parasitic wasps that also help to control aphids. Whiteflies       [cabbage Whiteflies] Over 1200 known species of whiteflies. These tiny, insects feed in large numbers on leaf undersides by sucking out plant juices. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that may cause the growth of a sooty black fungus and also attracts other insect pests. Yellowing leaves are also symptomatic. White flies are visible to the eye and will swarm in large groups when the plant is shaken.  See  Whitefly Cabbage Moth and Cabbage Butterflies They lay their eggs on the underside of leaves. The larvae hatch from the eggs and then feed on the leaves and/or fruit. Alternaria leaf spot is a fungal disease caused by Alternaria dauci. It overwinters in diseased debris in the soil and it may be spread on or in contaminated seed ,or by the wind. The disease usually start on older leaf margins causing dark spots with yellow borders to develop. Spots on the leaf stems will elongate and kill the entire leaf. Infection most commonly occurs during the cooler portions of the growing season when the leaf moisture does not dissipate as quickly. Black Rot / Black Leg -Black rot is caused by a bacteria , Black Leg is caused by fungus and can affect all vegetables in the crucifer family. Above-ground parts of the plant are primarily affected, and symptoms may vary depending on the type of plant, age of the plant and the environmental conditions. In general, yellow, V-shaped lesions appear along the tips of the leaves with the point of the V directed toward a vein. -There are no chemical controls available, so disease prevention is very important. The bacteria survives the winter on plant debris and on weeds, It also can survive in and on seeds from infected plants. It can remain alive on plant residue buried in the soil for up to two years. The disease is easily spread . High temperatures and humidity favor development of the disease. Fusarium wilt - The first signs are drooping and  yellowing of lower leaves on a single stem. Earliest  symptoms may appear on only one side of the plant. Yellowing and wilting of the leaves occurs, and the plants may die. If the stem is cut , the water conductive plant tissues under the surface are sometimes discolored brown.  Favored by soil temperatures around 80 F, a low soil pH, Fusarium wilt is more common in southern latitudes. Harvest Harvesting should commence when sprouts are about 1 inch in diameter. Start at the bottom and harvest upward. If harvest is delayed until the lower leaves turn yellow, the sprouts will be tough and off flavor.  The flavor is actually improved by a minimal exposure to light frost. http://www.garden-gardens-gardening.com/

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