BRUSSELS SPROUT - GRONINGER

     Organic Brussels Sprout Groninger

        100 Seeds Pack   

Brussels sprouts were cultivated in Brussels, Belgium, around the 13th century, and by the 16th century, they had expanded in popularity, increasing production. The sprouts were given their Brussels moniker in the 18th century and were named by the French. Brussels was bestowed upon the sprouts, as the plant, at the time, was popularly grown in Belgium. In the 19th century, Brussels sprouts were carried to the New World 

The variety Groninger is named for a city in the north of the Netherlands. Groninger is an old variety of Brussel sprout, which has developed along with the environment for a very long time.

Brussels sprout Groninger are compact rounded leaves tightly bound into individual spherical-shaped heads ranging in diameter of one to two inches when mature. Their leaves range from sea green to fern green. They offer the flavours of the earth and the bitter sweetness of cabbage. The younger the Brussels sprouts carry a sweeter more palatable flavour. Since they’re 90% water, and rather small, these vegetables are quite fragile. It is best to eat them quickly, before they dry up and wilt.

PLANTING & GROWING

Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them. 

Groninger brussels sprout has a high and strong stem on which it makes many small round buds 2-4 cm in diameter. It grows up to 1,5 m high.
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Can tolerate slightly alkaline soil. 
Sow seeds thinly, 13mm (½in) deep, in rows 15cm (6in) apart. Thin seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) apart once they are large enough to handle.
Start transplants in late April and transplant in late June or early July when the young plants are 10–15cm (4–6in) tall and have seven true leaves. Water brussels sprouts consistently and with moderate to high amounts of water.
Brussels sprouts perform best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. Too much shade will slow the sprouts' maturity.
After lower sprouts have reached about 1 inch in diameter, the top growing part of the plant can be removed. This will encourage the top sprouts to enlarge.
The harvest can begin in autumn and also take place in winter as this variety easily tolerates frost down to approx. -10°C. 

Brussels sprouts flowers and goes to seed in their second growing season. And because most people grow them as annuals, they don't get to this flowering stage. Insects and the wind assist in their pollination.
Cabbage crops including Brussels sprouts are all susceptible to the same pests. Grow beets next to Brussels sprouts to help the soil's fertility.
Magnesium deficiency is a common problem when growing Brussels sprouts, and is identified by yellowish outer areas around the leaves.   Green manures are cover crops that are grown specifically to return nutrients back to the soil. Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders and often require a lot of nitrogen, which leguminous cover crops are big suppliers of. Alfalfa is one the highest nitrogen providers.

To help reduce disease, do not plant Brussels Sprouts or other cole crops in the same location more than once every three or four years.  
Although both plants are cool season crops, never plant Brussels sprouts, or any other member of the cabbage family, near strawberry plants. Brussels sprout plant growth is inhibited when planted near strawberries. Keep Brussels sprout plants away from tomatoes and pole beans, too. Cabbage crops contain plant chemicals that inhibit tomato growth, as well as other nightshades like eggplants and peppers.