Better early April. It is possible and, subject to good illumination and a fairly cool daytime temperature, or it is possible on warm loggia or heated.
Sow the seeds to a depth of 1 cm, about four centimeters apart. When the plant has one leaf, it's time to unpack it into a separate glass. At 50 days of age, cabbage can be planted in. Since a lot of space is required, it must be far enough away, about 50 cm from another plant.
Caring for cabbage consists of regular watering, weekly feeding and hilling. Top dressing from mullein infusion and mineral fertilizers should be alternated. From fertilizers, you can use azofoska - take 3 tbsp for 10 liters of water. spoons. Fertilizers containing nitrogen and potassium are good for. Due to the fact that the stem is high, it is necessary to constantly huddle and loosen it throughout the growing season.
As soon as the lower heads reach the size of a pea, tear off the top of the plant. This will allow the heads of cabbage to pour faster. You can leave the plant until it is fully ripe until late autumn, since this cabbage can withstand frosts down to -8 degrees. As soon as the heads of cabbage become dense, they are cut off. It is necessary to cut off the heads of cabbage near the stem itself, otherwise they may crumble.
It is better not to keep the heads of cabbage fresh, they are usually frozen. In this form, they perfectly retain their beneficial features and taste. You can use cabbage both boiled and fried, and as a side dish or soup. When preparing dishes from brussels sprouts it is important not to digest it - excessive processing will destroy all the beneficial properties of the vegetable.
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Due to the fact that Brussels sprouts need about 150 days before the first heads of cabbage are ready (from the moment the shoots appear), then, as a rule, you cannot do without seedlings. The best time for sowing seedlings, the first days of April are considered. Seedlings can be grown on glazed balcony, in room conditions, on a loggia or in a heated greenhouse.
The culture can withstand frosts down to -8 ...- 10 ° С, i.e. more cold-resistant than white cabbage. The optimum temperature for it is 15-18 ° C, at 25 and above, the formation of the plant is delayed in shading and the quality of the crop decreases. Brussels sprouts are sown on April 10-15 in a well-lit, sun-warmed place under a film, and seedlings are planted from June 1-10 on a garden bed where tomatoes, cucumbers or legumes.
Sources:
- how to plant kohlrabi in 2019
Brussels sprouts are a rare vegetable in Russian garden beds. There are not many amateurs who grow it on their plots. Meanwhile, growing "Brussels" is not at all difficult not only in the south, but also in middle lane Russia.
What is the reason for the failure to grow Brussels sprouts?
Many people try to grow "Brussels" like ordinary white cabbage and use the same methods. But there is one significant difference, without which success is impossible. Sowing seeds and planting seedlings on ridges have their own specific period. Brussels sprouts have a longer development period. From the time of sowing the seeds to the day of harvest, 155-165 days pass. Only modern varieties have a slightly shorter development period, 140-150 days.
When to sow Brussels sprouts seeds for seedlings?
Seedlings are grown for about 35-40 days. This means that the seeds must be sown in early March. Any delays and omissions in the timing of sowing seeds will diminish the success of growing Brussels.
What are the features in growing seedlings?
Brussels sprouts are sensitive to any transplant. When growing seedlings, it is important to preserve the root ball and not injure it. Therefore, it is better to sow the seeds directly into cassettes or pots, bypassing the pick. By the time of planting on the beds, the seedlings have from 4 to 6 leaves. It should be hardened the day before (within 10-12 days). On the beds "Brussels" is planted in the last week of April or early May.
Brussels sprouts are significantly different from the white cabbage family. She is not afraid of spring frosts and frosts down to -6-7 ° C she is not afraid.
Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable native to Brussels. Small, crispy, fortified heads, spicy in taste, contain a lot of easily digestible protein, similar in properties to chicken.
Characteristics and properties
Brussels sprouts belong to the leaf subspecies, the plant is biennial, the cruciferous family. In appearance, cabbage has a long stem and a fluffy top. On the stem, small (up to 5 cm) heads of cabbage are formed from twisted cabbage leaves of a corrugated surface.
Heads of cabbage - good dietary product, there is a lot of potassium, which is why they are recommended for use in diseases of the cardiovascular system. High in iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamins.
Has anti-inflammatory, tonic effect in atherosclerosis, diabetes, inflammatory processes in the bile ducts and liver.
It can be used as a separate dish or in soups, stews, as a side dish.
Early hybrid varieties: "Franklin F1" and "Hercules". Ripening period 130 - 140 days. The height of the stem is up to 60 cm, the yield from a bush is up to 40 heads of cabbage with a total weight of up to 400 g.
Mid-season varieties: "Diablo F1" and "Casio". The terms of reaching marketable maturity 155 - 170 days. "Casio" has an egg-shaped head of blue-green color, with a diameter of up to 3 cm, the weight of a head of cabbage is up to 12 g.
Late-ripening varieties: "Boxer F1" and "Curl" with ripening periods of 170 days. The height of the bush is up to 90 cm, the average heads of cabbage are up to 5 cm, the weight of one is up to 15 g, the total number is up to 40 heads.
Site organization and soil preparation
It is preferable to choose an illuminated area. The soil is better rich nutrients loamy or sandy-loamy, but can also be planted on less fertilized weed-free soils. The reaction of the soil is slightly acidic. Dilute high soil acidity with lime.
The site is being prepared in autumn. When digging, organic and mineral (potash and phosphorus-containing) fertilizers are applied.
In spring, the soil is loosened, fertilized with urea. The beds are formed on moist soil.
Brussels sprouts have a long growing season, which makes it possible to grow other early maturing vegetables in its aisle.
Predecessors
Vegetables, herbs, legumes will be good predecessors.
Sowing time
They are sown either in a greenhouse from April to May, or immediately in open ground.
Sowing and caring for seedlings
For seedlings, seeds of Brussels sprouts are sown in late March or early April. Seeds are sealed to a depth of 1 cm. At the stage of formation of one true leaf, the seedlings should be dived with planting in peat glasses.
Seedlings are kept in moist soil with constant ventilation and feeding.
Two weeks before landing on the site, hardening can be carried out with a gradual increase in the period of exposure to the open air.
Landing in the ground
They are planted in open ground for 45-60 days in the 5-6 leaf phase. Planting pattern 60x60 cm.
Brussels sprouts need constant loosening of row spacings and watering. Better to do this with well water.
Heads of cabbage will form in the leaf axils. In some varieties, their number can reach up to 70 pieces. The top of the cabbage should be torn off when the heads of the bottom row have reached the size of a pea. So you can stop the growth of the plant in height and direct all the energy to the formation of heads of cabbage.
In autumn, hilling should be carried out and, if necessary, tying up tall unstable bushes.
Cabbage tolerates frost well. It has been noticed that the palatability of Brussels sprouts improves after short frosts, it becomes more aromatic.
Top dressing
With poor soil in the summer, you can carry out up to four fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers. In the second half of the growing season, it is worth adding superphosphate. Then they are fed with combined complex fertilizers.
Lack of phosphorus and potassium in the soil can lead to the fact that the heads of cabbage will not set.
Good results are obtained by irrigation with an aqueous solution of fermented nettle.
Pests
Brussels sprouts are sick, as well as cabbage, but cabbage fly does not touch it because of the mustard oils contained.
For caterpillars and aphids, cabbage whites and moths, insecticides are used.
Young cabbage heads attract birds, so care should be taken to scare them away.
Avoid soil acidification, which will inevitably lead to keel disease.
Harvesting
The crop is harvested as the heads of cabbage ripen. The collection begins at the bottom of the bush, gradually cutting off larger specimens. They should be plucked together with the stem, so you can keep the heads of cabbage longer.
The first crop is usually harvested in early October and continues to be harvested until late autumn.
After the onset of a period of stable frosts, the bush is cut down at the root, the leaves and the top are removed, and the stem with the heads of cabbage is brought into the cellar.
When frozen, the heads of cabbage retain their taste and can be stored for a long time.
If you do not pick off the heads, the next year shoots will form from them and the bush will bloom.
Brussels sprouts are one of the healthiest varieties of this garden culture... In addition to a huge amount of useful vitamins and minerals, it contains protein. Nutritionists assure that the soup from such cabbage in terms of the composition of trace elements is equal to chicken broth... Unfortunately, on the beds, a useful tall beauty can not be found so often. Most gardeners are discouraged capricious character plants and features of agricultural technology, not to mention the rather long period from sowing to ripening of the crop. However, having paid a little attention to the Brussels, it is quite possible to grow small, but so tasty and nutritious heads of cabbage on the site.
The best way to grow Brussels sprouts is seedling.
Soil preparation and planting of seedlings of Brussels sprouts
To grow cabbage of this kind, it is necessary to allocate an illuminated area, but which is at the same time in the "openwork" shadow, for example, near large bushes. They will cover plants from direct sunlight, under the influence of which cabbage heads poorly set.
Cabbage beds must be prepared in advance and brought to the site:
- humus;
- wood ash (1 liter of ash per 10 liters of humus).
Seedlings should be planted in a checkerboard pattern, leaving a distance of at least 60 cm between the bushes, since adult plant takes up quite a lot of space. On acidic soils, add a handful of ash to each hole.
The vegetative period is longer than that of the white cabbage. So that the place in the beds is not empty, you can plant beets between the seedlings.
Planting care
Caring for planted plants includes:
- regular watering:
- weeding and loosening of the soil;
- periodic feeding.
The first feeding can be done 10 days after picking the seedlings into the beds, using nitrogen fertilizers... For subsequent dressings, it is good to use herbal infusions and complex mineral fertilizers. In total, 3-4 dressings are enough per season. To prevent the long trunk of the Brussels from falling to one side, after fertilization or watering it is periodically spud.
Experienced gardeners recommend pinching the top of the bush at the start of tying heads of cabbage. Thus, all the forces will be spent on the formation of the crop, and not on the general growth of the plant, and the heads of cabbage themselves will be larger. Although it has been noticed that hybrid varieties are capable of producing a fairly large harvest without this procedure.
As the cabbage grows, its lower leaves turn yellow. They can also be removed.
Harvesting cabbage usually starts at the end of September. In regions with a warm climate, the plant is able to remain in the beds until November, because it perfectly tolerates small frosts (up to 2 degrees below zero). Find out about
Already enough long time in vegetable markets, and in most supermarkets, you can observe an unusual type of vegetable. This peculiar and unique vegetable is Brussels sprouts. In terms of the amount of useful vitamins contained in it, it is in no way inferior to ordinary white cabbage, and in terms of taste surpasses her in many ways. Moreover, it is very unusual and beautiful plant, which looks especially unusual during the formation of forks. What is this culture and how to grow Brussels sprouts at home?
General information
In fact, Brussels sprouts are one of the varieties white cabbage and refers to the kind It cultivated planttherefore, it is simply impossible to meet her in the wild. An unusual vegetable was bred in Belgium and named after Brussels farmers.
The cabbage gained general recognition first in Western Europe, Canada and the United States. In Russia, however, popularity came to her only in the middle of the 19th century. In our country, it is cultivated in limited quantities in the central regions. This vegetable is so frost-resistant that it gets along in almost any climatic conditions.
Description and appearance of cabbage
This vegetable crop is a biennial plant. Brussels sprouts grow (how to grow outdoors, we will consider further) extremely in an unusual way... First, a thick stem grows 30-100 centimeters high, in rare cases the stem can reach a larger size. There are large green leaves all over the stem. It is also considered normal if dark green spots with a purple tint are formed on the leaves. A small rosette of leaves forms at the top of the stem. In the fall, small cabbage forks form near each leaf. The diameter of each reaches from 2 to 5 centimeters. Fruits can be located very rarely, but they can and, conversely, stick around the entire stem. Up to 70 forks can grow on one stem. In the second year of its flowering, the plant does not bear fruit, but forms flowers with small brown seeds. Seeds of Brussels sprouts are able to maintain their germination capacity for no more than 5 years. Cabbage is able to withstand frosts down to -10 degrees, which makes it the most frost-resistant of all types. Also given view cabbage is one of the longest viable species. The ripening period lasts from 120 to 180 days, which is why this species is more convenient to grow through seedlings.
How to grow Brussels sprouts from seeds
The very first question asked by a gardener who decides to grow a given crop: how and when to plant it? How to grow Brussels sprouts in your garden? The seeds of this plant begin to grow at a temperature of +2 degrees. It is best to grow seedlings in early April. It is advisable to do this in a heated greenhouse. If one is not available, then a glazed balcony is perfect for this. The most optimal sowing medium - high humidity air, as well as a temperature of +3 or +4 degrees at night. Sprouts begin to appear on the fifth day.
So how to grow Brussels sprouts seedlings from seeds? Before sowing, the seeds must be well warmed up in water for 15 minutes. The recommended water temperature is no more than 50 degrees. Then they are lowered into cold water for 1 minute. Then the seeds are kept for 12 hours in a solution rich in trace elements, then washed in running water and placed in a refrigerator for a day. After that, the seeds should be dried and you can start planting. In order for the seedlings to be strong, the seeds must be sown at a distance of at least 5 centimeters from each other, and the planting depth should be no more than 2 centimeters. After a single true leaf appears on the seedlings, the plants dive and then transplanted into separate boxes. Further, the seedlings should grow from 35 to 60 days. Then it is transplanted into open ground. Usually by this time from 4 to 7 leaves grow on each stem. If you are planning to grow Brussels sprouts in your country house, it is important to properly prepare the soil.
The soil
Cabbage loves processed and nutrient-rich soils; in putrid soils, seedlings will give poor germination. Exactly therefore, before growing Brussels sprouts outdoors, the soil must be fertilized in the spring before planting. It is best to use ammonium nitrate or urea for these purposes. Concentration - about 20 g per 1 m.It is best for planting sunny placesince cabbage doesn't like shade. It is recommended to plant plants in two rows, rather far from each other. Best Distance between plants - at least 50 cm.
How to care for Brussels sprouts
When considering how to grow Brussels sprouts, it is important to familiarize yourself with the features of care. Two weeks after planting the plants in the beds, it is recommended to carry out the first fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. It is recommended to apply 1-2 liters of fertilizer under one stem.
The second feeding is carried out when forks are formed on the stems. Water the cabbage abundantly. For this culture, abundant watering is especially necessary during the formation of small forks. In order to prevent pests from attacking cabbage, it is recommended to sprinkle ash on the ground once a week after loosening. For a richer cabbage crop, the upper rosettes should be cut off. This is best done a month and a half before the harvest ripens. Let's consider further how to grow Brussels sprouts so that pests do not attack it.
- observe crop rotation;
- process seeds before sowing (the method was described above);
- compliance with all the rules for caring for cabbage.
Harvesting
It is recommended to start picking cabbage in late September or early October. You don't have to cut all the forks. The crop is harvested as it ripens. Ripe cabbage has a rich green color and reaches 3 centimeters in diameter. The weight of one fork can reach from 10 to 15 grams.
There is another way of harvesting: the finally ripe forks are cut along with the stem, then placed in wet sand and removed in a dark place. In this form, cabbage can be stored for up to 4 months. Cut forks are best used immediately or frozen. Scientifically proven fact - frozen heads of Brussels sprouts do not lose their nutritional value.
Varieties of cabbage varieties
Considering the technology of how to grow Brussels sprouts, it is worth dwelling on the most popular varieties. They can be divided into three types:
- early cabbage (Cassio, Dolmik, Rosello (Germany), Franklin, Rudnev, Isabella);
- mid-season cabbage (Boxer, Perfection (Russia), Hercules, Riesen);
- late cabbage (Gruniger (Germany), Ketskill (USA), Curl).
Harm and benefits of cabbage
Brussels sprouts are a treasure trove of beneficial vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamins of group B, PP, C, E, protein, also in huge amount contains amino acids and enzymes, folic acid and fiber. By the amount of vitamin C, cabbage is many times ahead of black currant. And it contains exactly the same amount of riboflavin as in natural cow's milk.
Cabbage is a dietary and hypoallergenic product, so it can be safely given to young children, as well as to the elderly. Due to the high content of folic acid, the vegetable can also be eaten by expectant mothers. Brussels sprouts juice has a diuretic and choleretic effect. It also has anti-inflammatory, expectorant, immunostimulating effects. Cabbage helps fight excess weight, enhances intestinal motility, and relieves heartburn. Cooked cabbage broth is in no way inferior to chicken broth.
Brussels sprouts are not recommended for people with impaired pancreatic function, as there is a high risk of hypothyroidism. Cabbage can cause bloating in people with Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal problems.
Nutritional value of Brussels sprouts
The calorie content of Brussels sprouts is 35 kcal.
Nutritional value per 100 g: proteins - 4.8 g; fats - 0.3 g; carbohydrates - 3.1 g.
The use of cabbage in cooking
Cabbage is prepared quickly and easily. Forks are most often used whole for soups, side dishes and main courses. The vegetable can be boiled, fried, stewed. At the same time, he will not lose his taste properties. Unusual shape and small size cabbages provide chefs with an abundance of options for decorating different side dishes and dishes. Of course, it is best and healthier to eat cabbage raw, but if the taste seems unusual, then you can resort to heat treatment or frying.
In order for the color of the forks to remain as bright as in their raw form, it is recommended to fry it over high heat, without covering it with a lid. When choosing cabbage in the store, it is recommended to pay attention to its top leaves. As a rule, they should be bright green with no dark spots on the leaves and stems. The stem should be light color and clean. If the top leaves on the cabbage turn yellow, it is not recommended to eat such a product. It is best to choose cabbage forks of medium size, with a diameter of about 3 cm. They should be firm and shiny, usually the most delicious and juicy. Larger heads of cabbage can taste bitter.
So, we examined the cultivation of Brussels sprouts, care, varieties. As already written above, with a competent approach to business and strict adherence to all instructions, the culture can be planted on your site. The process will not require any large costs, but the result of the work done in the form of a useful harvest will clearly please.
Today, Brussels sprouts are grown mostly in an area with moderate summer temperatures and warm, long-lasting autumn period... It is these conditions that correspond to the biological characteristics of this vegetable crop and contribute to obtaining a good harvest.
Brussels sprouts are a two-year herbaceous crop. Plant height varies from 20 to 60 centimeters.
At the stage of growing seedlings of Brussels sprouts, the plant forms a stem part with long-petiolate spreading entire leaves.
At the next stage of cultivation, large buds are formed in the leaf axils - heads of cabbage with round shape... Their weight rarely exceeds 15 grams, and the total yield from each properly grown plant can be 500 grams.
Brussels sprouts are considered a cold-resistant plant and are quite tolerant of short-term frosts down to -6 ° C. Tying and high-quality filling of fruits requires an optimal temperature background - at the level of 18 ° C. At values \u200b\u200babove 25 ° C, the growth and formation of fruits slows down. Due to the climatic preferences of Brussels sprouts in the country, it should be grown in open-air beds.
Planting methods
Proper planting and proper care of this vegetable crop allows you to grow a high-quality harvest of Brussels sprouts.
Seeds are sown in last days March or early April. Quality seedlings obtained when grown on a glazed balcony or in a heated greenhouse, which helps to ensure the optimal temperature level.
Temperature readings at night should vary from 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, and during the daytime the temperature should be about 20 degrees. Before emergence temperature environment need to be maintained at 2 degrees Celsius.
The first seedlings appear on the fourth day. Peat-humus planting pots are suitable for planting.
Seedlings need regular watering and feeding with mineral fertilizers. Ventilation of the room where the seedlings are grown should be carried out. The picking is carried out one and a half months after sowing the seeds.
Cultivation is carried out on loamy, organic-rich and deeply cultivated soils. Agricultural practices for growing Brussels sprouts should be carefully followed, including mandatory care and feeding measures.
How to grow Brussels sprouts (video)
Features of the care and feeding of cabbage in the garden
- Growing Brussels sprouts must be accompanied by necessary activities to prepare the soil in the fall. You should intensively loosen and dig up the soil, and then add required amount organic and mineral fertilizers.
- Autumn introduction of superphosphate, potash fertilizer, manure or peat compost is very good for the growth and health of the grown Brussels sprouts and contributes to obtaining big harvest large and even heads of cabbage.
- Front spring planting it is required to re-loosen the soil and enrich the soil for planting with urea.
- The formation of planting beds is most conveniently performed after abundant soil moisture.
- If it was not possible to perform high-quality fertilization of the land in the process autumn preparation, then you can fertilize the holes dug out for planting cabbage seedlings.
- When grown in open ground, the ridges are formed by the beginning of May, and the holes are arranged according to the scheme of 50 x 50 centimeters.
- Brussels sprouts refer to vegetable crops with a long growing season, which reaches five months, and planting in the aisles of more early maturing crops, which will already form a crop before the cabbage begins to bear fruit, will be justified.
- For dressings that are made no more than once a week, it makes sense to use fertilizers that contain the same percentage of phosphorus and nitrogen.
- Caring for Brussels sprouts includes regular watering.
- This variety of cabbage has a fairly high shoot and needs hilling measures to provide support to the stem.
- To root system received the air necessary for full development, soil loosening should be periodically carried out.
- If necessary, weeding is carried out, without which the care of any plant is considered inferior.
- Do not forget about the need to pinch the stem top or remove the rosette of the top one and a half months before harvest.
Diseases and pests
Among the frequent diseases of culture, the following can be distinguished:
- blackleg;
- cabbage keel;
- mucous bacteriosis;
- downy mildew.
Of the pests it is worth fearing:
- cruciferous flea beetles;
- cabbage flies;
- snails and slugs;
- cabbage scoops and whites.
Therapeutic and preventive measures are similar to methods of control that are effective against pests for other cabbage crops. At the initial stage of the disease or lesion, as well as for prophylactic purposes, folk herbal remedies can be used.
Protecting plants helps not only to carry out all measures for high-quality seedbed preparation soil and the use of disinfectants after harvest, but also the observance of crop rotation in the beds.
Brussels sprouts can be grown after green manures, carrots, potatoes, onions, legumes, cereals, and cucumbers. It is forbidden to plant a crop on ridges where cabbage, beets, tomatoes, turnips, radishes or radishes were previously grown. You can return Brussels sprouts to an already used ridge no earlier than four years later. Compliance with this rule will insure the plant against damage by a significant part of pests and diseases common to all cabbage crops.
Harvesting and storage rules
Harvesting of a ripe crop is carried out in selective mode and begins in mid-September. At the very beginning, the lower cabbage heads ripen and are subject to breaking out. The final harvest is carried out in early November, after the persistent cold weather sets in.
Planting seedlings of Brussels sprouts in open ground (video)
The stems with ripe inflorescences separated from the root system can be stored in a cool room for about three months. Individual cabbage heads must be immediately processed or frozen.
Brussels sprouts, like any other crop, have peculiarities of cultivation. Observing them, you will get a wonderful vitamin harvest.