Brussels Sprouts Roodnerf - Brussels sprouts seeds

Brassica oleracea L. conv. oleracea var. gemmifera - Roodnerf

Originates from Belgium. The plant grows up to 1 m in height. It is densely covered with long-stalked leaves, in whose axils small firm sprouts develop. These are 30-40 mm in size. It flowers in the second year.

Thanks to its high content of proteins, minerals and fiber, it is classified among the healthiest brassica crops. It is rich in vitamin C, E and minerals, especially zinc, phosphorus and sulfur. It is characterized by low energy value, therefore it is used in diets and healthy eating. The taste is very delicate and in the kitchen it is used in soups or as a side dish.

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts

• Plants are frost-resistant. They tolerate temperatures from -10 to -15 °C without problems. They require bright or semi-shaded locations. At the beginning of summer, plants require large amounts of water. The soil should never dry out. Regularly hoe around the plants and remove weeds. We also regularly lime and fertilize. For better sprout formation, break off the top of the plant, ideally at the end of summer. Fruits that experience frost have significantly better taste.

• Sow seeds in April in a hotbed or warm greenhouse. Plant seedlings from June to July in beds at 50×70 cm spacing.

  Direct sowing on site is done by sowing in mid-April in rows 0.6 m apart. At the 2-leaf stage, thin to a distance of 0.5 m.

• Medium-heavy loamy humus soils with sufficient supply of nutrients and soil moisture are suitable.

• We can use any NPK fertilizer intended for vegetables and respect the dosage on the package. Basic fertilization is done in autumn, when we work 5–7 kg of farmyard manure/m² into the soil and thoroughly lime the soil. An additional 20–25 g of nitrogen/m² is worked in before planting. During vegetation, it is necessary to add another 8 g of nitrogen/m² and distribute this dose evenly. In addition, during vegetation we add 13 g P2O5/m², 25 g K2O/m² and 5 g MgO/m² in the form of NPK fertilizer.

• Alternaria leaf spot of brassicas, cabbage downy mildew, large white butterfly, small white butterfly, cabbage moth, diamondback moth, turnip moth and aphids may appear on Brussels sprouts.

  Alternaria leaf spot manifests on stems and cotyledon leaves of young plants as small brownish-black to black, slightly sunken spots. The spots subsequently merge and plants die during severe infestation. Treatment with Ortiva is suitable.

  Small white butterfly and large white butterfly damage plants by feeding and leave their deposits on them. Treat plants with Steward or products Karate Zeon, Biobit or Dimilin 48 SC.

  Cabbage downy mildew attacks mainly young plants in hotbeds. It creates light green to yellow-green undefined spots on leaves. Gray-white coatings of sporangiophores and sporangia grow on the underside. Protection is carried out with products Ortiva or Dithane DG Neotec.

• Harvest as needed until freeze and throughout winter. Harvest whole plants from which we twist off the sprouts, or take individual sprouts as needed.