Can Brussels sprouts survive winter?

Brussels sprouts are very hardy, and if well-grown, will stand 20 degrees freezing and sometimes lower. Brussels sprouts improve with exposure to frost and can be harvested at intervals throughout the winter months in many climates, thanks to the protection they receive from snow cover. Proper preparation of the soil will also enable one to gather the sprout till the middle of winter.

Protection Techniques: Adjust to climate severity: Apply 6" straw mulch once first frost hits for zones 7+. Use heavyweight row covers in zones 5-6. For colder locales below zone 5, use insulated cold frames with thermal mass (water barrels) and remove cover on sunny days above freezing.

Winter harvesting of sprouts also requires these to be picked during a thaw, usually by midday, when the plants have again become pliable. Twist each downward gently to the point of breaking, but do not pull any too forcibly, lest the stem be torn away. Leave all the upper sprouts to develop, to be picked during mild periods. Those gathered will be stored for 6-8 weeks at 32°F.

Extreme cold solutions include temporary fixes. When dealing with polar vortex events, cover your plants with thermal blankets for the night. Suppose you're looking for minimal heat, try incandescent holiday lights under row covers. They're just enough to keep plant cells from freezing and exploding, down to about 15 degrees F.

Spring recovery takes place when temperatures continuously exceed 40°F. You should progressively remove winter protections. Cut back foliage that was damaged by frost. You may want to apply a nitrogen fertilizer to encourage new growth. Plants are likely to have produced early spring sprouts before growing too long and bolting.

Read the full article: How to Grow Brussels Sprouts Perfectly