When to Harvest Brussels Sprouts
Choosing the Right Time
The timing of your brussels sprouts harvest is crucial for optimal flavor and texture. In temperate zones, the best time to harvest is late spring to early summer, around late April, May, or early June. This allows the sprouts to go through a frost, which enhances their sweetness. In frost-free or occasionally frosty zones, aim to harvest during cool weather months, such as December through March.
Harvesting Individual Sprouts
Throughout the summer, you can harvest brussels sprouts individually as they reach maturity. Look for sprouts that are bright green, tightly wrapped, and have a slight give when pressed. Start by removing lower leaves as they yellow.
To harvest, grab the sprout at its base where it rests against the stalk and give it a quick twist to snap it off. Alternatively, use a sharp knife to cut the sprout where it attaches to the stalk.
Harvesting the Entire Stalk
If you prefer to harvest the entire stalk of brussels sprouts at once, time your harvest one to two months before the first frost. Pinch out the top of the stalk and remove any yellowed lower leaves. You can also snap off any leaves growing below a sprout to make room for it to grow larger.
After a frost or two have occurred, remove all remaining leaves and harvest the entire stalk by cutting it with a sharp knife one inch above soil level.
Storing Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts last longest at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, whether still in the garden or harvested as an entire stalk. You can harvest sprouts from the garden until temperatures drop to 20 degrees F. A harvested stalk will keep for 3 to 5 weeks when kept at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additional Tips
- Pinching out the top of the stalk about one month before your first frost date will direct energy from producing new foliage to maturing sprouts already on the stalk.
- Brussels sprouts are not perennials. They are biennials, meaning they live for two years and produce sprouts in the first year.
- Good pest control is essential for a successful brussels sprouts harvest, as they are susceptible to insect pests.
Troubleshooting
Why are my brussels sprouts bitter?
Brussels sprouts can become bitter if they are not harvested promptly or if they are not tightly wrapped.
Why won’t my brussels sprouts form solid balls?
Brussels sprouts may fail to form solid balls if they are not getting enough nutrients or if they are exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Will more brussels sprouts grow after I harvest them?
More brussels sprouts will grow after you harvest them unless the very top of the stalk is pinched out. However, once a sprout is removed, another will not grow in that location.