Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera Group)
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- BRAS-ih-ka ol-ur-RAY-see-uh
- Description
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The Gemmifera Group of Brassica oleracea is Brussels sprouts. The genus name Brassica is Latin for cabbage.They resemble 1-2" wide tiny cabbages lined up on an upright central stem. This slow-growing vegetable has a long season. Plant in early summer, expect the cool fall temperatures for maturity. Nitrogen fertilizer applied every few weeks during the summer will aid in a hardy fall harvest, which will take place after the first frost. Your patience in waiting for the first frost will be rewarded, waiting for that first frost will improve the flavor of your bounty. Brussel sprouts have shallow roots, protect the roots with mulch. Mulching will also help to retain moisture and keep weeds under control.
They are typically eaten cooked, as eaten raw leads to indigestion for many.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Cabbageworm, caterpillars, slugs, flea beetles and aphids are insects that may affect the plant. Diseases include leaf spots, black rot, and blackleg.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common Cole crop diseases and other plant problems.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Brassica
- Species:
- oleracea
- Family:
- Brassicaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Brussels, Belgium
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees will pollinate
- Edibility:
- Round sprouts are edible.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Cool Season Vegetable
- Edible
- Vegetable
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Green
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Siliqua
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- 1-2" cabbage-like edible vegetable. The fruit dries and splits when ripe.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cross
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Description:
- This plant rarely flowers.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- 2-3' tall stems.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Meadow
- Patio
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Problems:
- Problem for Horses
