Can Brussels sprouts grow in containers?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Growing Brussels sprouts in containers is ideal for gardeners who may not have a suitable area for a formal vegetable patch. Choose a dwarf variety such as Brigitte or Crispus Compact. These special hybrids produce sprouts and foliage like a normal Brussels sprout plant, but only grow to just under 2' tall. Growing in pots gives you control over soil conditions and sun exposure.
Select containers with adequate depth and drainage. Locate pots with a minimum depth of 12 inches and a width of 14 inches. Five-gallon buckets work well; add a few basic drainage holes. Alternatively, fabric grow bags provide great aeration. Those that are not well-draining may lead to root rot problems.
Soil Preparation
- Mix 60% potting soil with 30% compost
- Add 10% perlite for drainage
- Maintain pH between 6.0-7.5
Planting Technique
- Transplant seedlings when 6 inches tall
- Plant at same depth as nursery pot
- Space dwarf varieties 18 inches apart
Initial Care
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Apply balanced fertilizer
- Install stakes immediately
Please provide them with consistent moisture by watering them under the drip or on a daily basis. Plants in containers tend to dry out more rapidly than those in garden beds. Water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry, and give enough so that the water seeps to the bottom in the entire root area. Adding a straw mulch will help preserve moisture when the weather gets hot.
Sit containers out in full sun. Brussels sprouts require at least six hours of sun daily; be sure to rotate the pots each week for even growth. Be sure to place them on wheeled plant stands for easy sun-scrying. Consider grow lights in the shadiest spots.
You should provide some wind protection for your container plants. So long as your plants remain below 12 inches in height, you will need to stake them. Use short and stout 3-foot-long bamboo poles and tie them securely. Group your containers together to make small microclimates within the larger garden. Move your pots to more sheltered locations for storms.
When sprouts in containers reach 1 inch in diameter, harvest them from the bottom up. Yields will be somewhat lower than those of garden plants, but the flavor can be superior. You can also stagger plantings to provide a continual supply throughout the growing season.
Read the full article: How to Grow Brussels Sprouts Perfectly
