How to grow Brussel sprouts from scraps — many gardeners decide to look this up because of how efficient and easy the process is.
Brussel sprouts are a staple in any vegetable garden and knowing how to use scraps to regrow these greens is a must for any vegetable gardener.
Today, we will guide you on how you can do the same based on what experts suggest. We’ll give you a detailed overview of what to do and what to avoid, so without any delay, let’s get straight into it!
How to Grow Brussel Sprouts from Scraps
Growing Brussel sprouts from scraps is a simple technique that encourages recycling and will be less pricey. You can divide it into two parts: the first being cutting and regrowing and the second being transplanting.
We will help you learn how to do it, and the process is quite simple. But remember to use the right techniques. Otherwise, it’ll be somewhat of a disaster.
It’s not rocket science. So, do Mother Nature and your pocket a favor and choose to regrow Brussel sprouts from scraps. Just stick with the following steps and you’re good to grow Brussel sprouts from cuttings.
– Prepare the Scraps
Wash the Brussel sprouts you’re planning to use and take off any dead foliage. Make sure to rinse off any leftover dirt or grime from your Brussel sprouts in a sink.
Once they’re clean, check the bottom of the vegetable and remove any leaves that are yellowing or are dead. We’d recommend avoiding old Brussel sprouts and going for fresh sprouts for the job.
It’s best to start the plant in May or June, and the plant’s harvesting time comes in autumn. Also, there’s not much scientific proof that Brussel sprout cuttings will produce a full and healthy plant.
But it has been observed that individual Brussel sprouts are capable of constructing their root systems.
– Cutting
After the Brussel sprouts are prepped, cut off the bottom, i.e., the flat part of the vegetable. The roots will begin to grow out from there.
– Prepare the Container
You’ll have to start your scraps in a container filled with water. Putting them in the soil is not an option. You can use a clay pot, but a plastic tub will be a cheaper option and works just as well. Some gardeners have even grown Brussel sprouts from scraps in water bottles. Surprising, no?
Fill the container with half-inch of water. Remember that Brussel sprout cuttings don’t need tons of water. But if the water supply isn’t enough, the cuttings won’t be able to develop a new root system. And make sure to save the container a prominent spot where you can keep an eye on it.
You’ll have to change the water often— ideally once a day. Vigilance is the key to getting healthy Brussels. Drain out the old water every day and replace it with a fresh half-inch of water. And if you ever see any dead foliage floating around, remove it.
– Arrangement
Place the Brussel sprout scraps cutting side down on the surface of the water. It’s okay for them to touch the floor of the container or each other. But don’t over-crowd the container with too many scraps. It’s better to have two containers rather than having one, overcrowded container.
– Transplanting
When the Brussel sprouts have a visible root system, it’s time for them to leave the safety of the container and explore the outdoors. When they reach the height of 3 inches inside the container, they now belong in the soil of your main garden.
As they’re harvested in the autumn season, before the first frost hits, it’s ideal to transplant Brussel sprouts between late June and early July.
Keep 18 to 24 inches between sprouting Brussel sprouts. If you cramp them together, the roots won’t have enough space to grow.
This can lead to bigger issues, like dehydration, deficiencies, stunted growth, low oxygen supply, etc. Make sure that the whole root system is buried inside the soil.
– Picking the Perfect Location
Choosing the ideal space for your plant babies in your main garden is an important step. Plenty of direct sunlight is important for the plant. Some shade won’t hurt, but it’s better to keep the shady spaces out of your mind.
At least six hours of light every day is a must! After transplanting, a light sprinkle of water will allow the Brussel sports to adjust to their new environment.
– Watering
Make sure that your newly-transplanted plant isn’t dehydrated. Moisturize the plant often. A transplant starter solution will be a great help along the way. You can get that at any nursery nearby.
Brussel sprouts are water-loving plants. They need an inch of water per week. But if you live in an area with frequent showers, you won’t have to worry about watering your plant.
– Fertilizing
All living things need nourishment for growth. Brussel sprout plants are no different. If the soil is used up, the plant won’t have proper growth. In that case, extra feed is necessary. A fertilizer high in phosphorus, but low in potassium and nitrogen will work the best when the plant is a recent transplant.
But as the plant reaches the height of 12 inches, it needs a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. One cup of fertilizer for every 30 feet is the ideal amount. Ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate will be a good choice.
– Maintain the Correct pH
The ideal pH for Brussel sprouts is between 6.0 and 7.5. A pH a little higher is survivable, but try to maintain the above-mentioned range. If the pH is too low, pulverized limestone will come in handy. If the soil is too alkaline, iron sulfate and acidifying nitrogen will do the trick.
– Mulching
Mulching is the process of applying a protective cover on your soil to reduce evaporation, maintain soil temperature, avoid erosion, control weeds, keep fruits and vegetables clean, enrich the soil, and induce insulation. This covering is made up of sawdust, compost, grass clippings, straw, or paper.
Layer your soil with 3 to 4 inches of mulch. If you’re using grassy mulch, use grass that wasn’t treated with chemicals and is herbicide and pesticide-free to avoid these damaging chemicals transferring to your Brussel sprouts.
If you’re using straws as mulch, use the weed-free sort. Some straw mixes have weed combined into it, so if you use this kind, you might be introducing weed into your soil.
– Harvesting
Unlike many other plants, Brussel sprouts keep growing well into the autumn months. They should be harvested when the temperature drops down to 20 to 30 Fahrenheit.
You can take the Brussel sprouts off once they’re 1 to 1 ½ inches wide by twisting them off the stalk.
FAQs
– Can You Grow Brussel Sprouts From A Single Brussel Sprout?
Yes! You don’t need a large collection of scrapping. Even one brussel sprout has the ability to develop its own root system. Although using multiple cuttings will increase the chances of growing a healthy plant.
– What Month Do You Plant Brussel Sprouts?
Ideally, Brussel sprouts should be planted in somewhat cold weather, from the beginning of March to April. They can be planted in the summer season, however, the vegetable won’t be as good as one that ripens in the cold season.
– Do Brussel Sprouts Come Back Every Year?
Brussel sprouts are biennial plants, meaning that they have a life cycle of two years. Just like any other biennial plant, Brussel sprouts flowers to propagate through seeds. When yellow flowers start to appear on the plant, it means that it is preparing to generate as many seeds as possible.
This means that the plant’s energies will be directed towards producing maximum seeds for maximum offspring. Hence, it would not produce any edible heads in the second year.
– Is It Safe To Grow Your Own Brussel Sprouts?
It’s a great option to regrow Brussel sprouts. Unlike Brussel sprouts from the supermarket, home-grown Brussel sprouts are free of any contaminations and harmful chemicals. These harmful chemicals include pesticides, insecticides, and water impurities, only to name a few!
– Are Brussel Sprouts Easy To Grow?
They’re not the hardest crop to plant, but also not the easiest one either. Brussel sprouts need to be properly cared for when they’re young and indoors.
They have to be started indoors 4 weeks prior to the last frost dates in your area.
Conclusion
Now that you know all this, you’re fully capable of growing your Brussel sprouts from cuttings and scraps, but before you leave and enjoy these fresh and home-grown vegetables, here’s a little recap!
- You have to cut the scraps, flat side down, and put them in a container filled with water and the cuttings will start to develop roots and will grow into a plant.
- Once it has reached a height of 3 inches, you can now transplant it into the soil.
- The plant needs ample watering, fertilized soil, the correct PH, and direct sunlight.
- You can harvest the Brussel sprouts once the plant seems big enough and ripe.
So what’re you waiting for? Add Brussel sprouts to your veggie garden right now!
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