BRUSSELS SPROUTS
This fall and winter vegetable is include in the Mustard family , Cruciferae , and is refer to botanically as Brassica oleracea gemmifera . The flora originated as far back as the 14th century near Brussels , Belgium , from which township it get down its name . The sprout are miniature “ cabbages ” or “ buttons , ” each , when usable , about 1 1/2 - 2 in . in diam , and are produce in the axils of the leaves around the stems of the plants . They are ameliorate in flavor by calorie-free Robert Lee Frost and are cooked as a green vegetable .
Soil Types . Brussels Sprouts , like most of the cabbage group of vegetable , thrive in soil that is fat in humous and is thus likely to be always reasonably moist . The stain must have good underdrainage , however , and may be from lightsome sandlike loam to heavy corpse - loam . Failures may generally be attributed to stop of ironic weather when deficient supplies of water system are given by artificial means . Fertile , deeply dug stain is all important and it is believe that laboured ‘ clayey soils bring about firmer sprout than do light sandy case . In any case a moderately firm soil is necessary .
Seeds and Seed Sowing . escaped sprouts , rather of suitable tight “ button , ” may result from using a pitiable tenor of seeds . Improved Long Island , grow to 20 in . grandiloquent , is a popular mixture .
In area where Robert Lee Frost is unlikely after March , seeded player may be inseminate outdoors as soon thereafter as the dirt is sufficiently juiceless on the surface to tread upon without its adhering to the shoes . Sow in a shallow drill and cover light — oneeighth inch of grease above the seeds is plentiful . In 4 - 6 weeks the young industrial plant should be large enough to transplant to their harvesting quarter ; space them 18 - 24 in . apart in the rows and allow 24 - 30 in . between the rows .
In more northern latitudes , where recent spring Robert Lee Frost is to be look , seeds may be sown from early April to late May in a seedbed prepared with sifted soil in a nursery , hotbed , or other seat where the temperature can be maintain at 50 degree at nighttime and where exposure to full sunlight is assure . When the seedlings show
their first true leave they should be transplanted into flats or throne , or they may be planted 3 in . asunder in a cold frame . About 6 weeks elapses from the sentence of seeding until the plants are ready for planting in the garden . Planting should be before the end of June . About 130 days are required from planting to the time when the first sprout may be harvested .
Summer Care . A thorough soaking of water once a calendar week is essential during spells of blistering ironic weather . repeat cultivation will control weeds and conserve soil moisture but , since the roots ramify near the surface , shallow cultivating must be practiced . mulch the land surface with coarse compost or other suitable material may take the post of cultivating , once the plant are well established . sprout should be gathered as they become large enough for manipulation — the lower ones first ; they become tough if left too long . With late crops of Brussels Sprouts , bring down off the low-pitched leaves as the sprout develop . If little clock time is left before severe freeze , development of the sprouts may be step on it by removing the terminal bud from the stubble on which the sprouts grow .
