If you’re thinking of adding Brussels sprouts to the garden this year, you might be wondering if there are any plants that make good companion plants. Growing certain plants together with Brussels sprouts can help maximize crop yield, among other benefits.
In this post, we’ll talk about some of the best companions for Brussels sprouts as well as the bad ones. We’ll also share a few tips on how to care for your garden.
Good Companion Plants for Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring, late summer, or early fall.
Since they’re a member of the cabbage family, you can plant them close to other plants in the Brassica genus. This includes broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
These crops have similar growing requirements, so there’s no need to have multiple gardens. However, some farmers refrain from planting them together as most require the same nutrients and growing conditions; thus, they may compete with each other.
Marigolds are also great neighbors for Brussels sprouts, as they will assist in deterring pests while also enriching the soil. Basil is also a good fit, as it repels flies and mosquitoes.
Below is a comprehensive list of what to plant with Brussels sprouts.
Some of these plants attract useful insects, while others repel certain pests and diseases. Still, some add flavor to the sprouts.
- Radish
- Beets
- Garlic
- Chamomile
- Thyme
- Carrots
- Celery
- Basil
- Sage
- Geraniums
- Swiss chard
- Cilantro
- Spinach
- Nasturtiums
- Mint
- Peas
- Parsley
- Marigolds
- Onion
- Okra
What Not to Plant With Brussels Sprouts
While Brussels sprouts are amazing plants that you can grow companionably with other plants, there are a few plants you should avoid planting near them.
We don’t recommend planting tomatoes and Brussels sprouts together, as Brassicas will stunt the growth of tomatoes. Additionally, do not plant potatoes with them.
These are all bad companions for Brussels sprouts:
- Kohlrabi
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Strawberries
- Eggplant
- Pole beans
- Peppers
Growing Brussels Sprouts
To grow this veggie from seeds, start by planting them in late summer or early fall. The seeds should be planted about 1 ½ inch deep and about 3 inches apart. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, you can transplant them into your garden.
It generally takes about 80 to 100 days for Brussels sprouts to reach maturity, so make sure to plan accordingly. Harvest once the heads are about 1-2 inches in diameter.
You can also plant them in pots, but make sure to choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has good drainage.
Garden Pests
Pests are definitely something to watch out for. While they’re not as commonly attacked as other vegetables, they can still be a target for garden pests.
Some garden pests that can affect Brussels sprouts include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles.
Cabbage worms are the most common of the three and can be controlled by handpicking or using organic pesticides. You can control aphids and flea beetles with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Click here to read up on natural pest control remedies for different garden pests.
Plant Diseases
A few diseases also affect Brussels sprouts, one of which is clubroot [1].
Clubroot is a fungal infection that can cause serious damage to the roots of plants in the cabbage family and related plants. The bad news is that you can’t treat it with natural fungicides. The best thing to do is uproot the infected plants.
Another common disease is black rot, which is caused by bacteria and results in yellow to brown patches on leaves. The best way to control it is to destroy infected crops. However, if the infection is not severe, you could try treating it with Arber Bio Fungicide.
Finally, white rust is a fungus that affects leaves, stems, and flowers, giving them a white coating. You can control it by removing infected plant parts. It’s also important to keep an eye on your plants for any signs of infection.
Harvesting
The best time to harvest is when the buds are still small and tight. If you wait too long, the buds will start to open up and will be less tasty. Look for buds that are around 1-2 inches in diameter.
Simply cut them off the stalk with a sharp knife. Make sure you cut them as close to the stalk as possible so that you don’t damage the plant.
Storing
After harvesting, fresh Brussels sprouts will store in the fridge for up to a week.
To store them, first you’ll need to pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Next, put them in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Make sure to date the bag so you know how fresh it is.
If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Just blanch them in boiling water for two minutes before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Where to Buy Seeds
If you’re looking to get your hands on some high-quality seeds, your best bet is to head to a garden center or online store.
There are a ton of great options out there, but we recommend checking out SeedsNow. Not only do they have a wide variety of organic seeds, but their seeds are 100% open-pollinated.
Takeaway
Companion plants are a great way to improve your garden. There are a number of different plants that make good neighbors for Brussels sprouts, so choose the ones that work best for your garden. With the right mix, you can maximize your harvest and get the most from your garden.
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