Guide to Harvesting Brussels Spouts

With a slightly bitter, yet nutty flavor, brussels sprouts may not be the favorite dinner time vegetable, but they are an incredibly nutritious crop. Closely related to cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, regular consumption supplies the body with plenty of vitamins K, C, A, folate, and fiber. Rich in phytochemicals, it may also help to prevent some cancers.

When to Grow and Harvest

When is the right time of year to grow and then harvest your brussels sprouts? There are two different times that this crop can be planted, although using the cooler growing period of midsummer to early autumn will yield the highest quality vegetable. Brussels sprouts prefer some cool weather and are hardy enough to thrive with light frosts.

Most varieties take about three months from the time the seedlings are placed in the ground to harvest. If planting in late June or mid July be sure to allow for plenty of time for growth before the first major frost of the season. The cooler days and nights of late August and September will add flavor to the crop.

Brussels sprouts can also be planted in early spring, especially in areas with cooler summers. Start sowing seeds indoors as early as late February or plant in the ground towards the end of March. Be sure to use a variety that can withstand the heat. Growing this vegetable in warmer weather can result in bitter brussels sprouts.

How should brussels sprouts be harvested? The sprouts look like miniature cabbage heads. They are located along the height of the stalk beneath the large leaf petals. To remove, simply pick the lower leaf beneath each sprout (this can be done early on, once the heads first appear) and then twist off. Start by harvesting the vegetables at the base of the plant as these will be ready first.

To maximize harvest, pick the lower leaves early and start harvesting the lower sprouts once they are about one inch in diameter. This will encourage more growth before the season is over. Depending on the weather (sunny days and cool nights being optimal) you may be able to take three or four sprouts from each plant every week or two towards the beginning. Later in the harvest, closer to the first frost, your plants may yield two to three times as many ripe heads, every three to four weeks. Continue picking brussels sprouts until the freezing temperatures arrive. You can also wait to harvest the entire plant. Be sure to pick before the lower leaves began to turn yellow.

Pick your brussels sprouts and bring into the house. Now it is time to prepare for storage. Sort through the harvest, removing heads that are too soft, too small, too large, or bruised. Pick off outer leaves. For best flavor, enjoy within one or two days. To freeze, water blanch the heads for three to five minutes. Cool in ice water. Let dry and then seal in Ziploc bags. With these tips on harvesting brussels sprouts you can enjoy a plentiful, flavorful crop this year.