Plant Doctor Archive

Brussels Sprouts

I HAVE tried and failed to grow Brussels Sprouts - the plants seem to do well and start to produce the little cabbages up their stems, but they fail to grow into plump sprouts. Could this be because of aphid damage?

Brussels Sprouts are a little fussy in the way that they are grown, and how the soil is prepared. The most important factor is the soil. Brussels Sprouts must have a very firm soil for the roots to grow (and to support the plant), with some good compost added in too. The most common problem is loose soil. You could also have a problem with aphids or caterpillars. These should be visible if you have a look around the plant. The aphids will be sitting in the small tight places up the main stem, or inside the sprouts themselves. If you do have aphids or caterpillars you can use Yates Natures Way Pyrethrum or Yates Target. As the plants get taller and the crop matures you can earth up the soil around the stems and stake if necessary. Some people also suggest that a frost or cold snap also helps.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH.