Brussels sprouts
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Also known asBrussel sprouts · Choux de Bruxelles · Rosenkohl
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–9 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2.2 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of nitrogen, potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A challenging hydroponic crop given the long season, large plant and strong preference for cold. Use large containers (around 20 L) or media beds with depth for the heavy roots. Hold EC around 2.0-2.8 mS/cm and pH 6.0-7.0. Best flavour and tight sprouts come at 10–20°C; above 24°C the sprouts loosen and turn bitter. Give moderate to high light, 14-22 mol/m2/day. The tall stalk needs staking against toppling. Strip lower leaves as sprouts form to open up light and air. Some growers top the plant, removing the growing tip three to four weeks before harvest, to push energy into the sprouts for more uniform maturity. Pick sprouts from the bottom up at 2–3 cm across while firm. Frost improves flavour, so indoors a brief cold spell near 5°C before harvest helps. From transplant the crop runs roughly 90 to 120 days, best suited to late-fall and winter growing in unheated or lightly heated greenhouses.