How to Regrow Brussels Sprouts: 14 Steps
Brussels sprouts are a nutrient-rich, delicious vegetable that can be easily regrown from cuttings or leftover stalks. In this article, we’ll guide you through the 14 steps to regrow Brussels sprouts and enjoy this tasty vegetable all year round.
1. Select a healthy stalk: If you’re using leftover stalks from store-bought Brussels sprouts, choose a healthy one with some leaves still attached.
2. Trim the leaves: Remove any yellow or damaged leaves, keeping only the healthy ones closest to the top of the stalk.
3. Preparation for rooting: Cut the bottom inch off the stalk and place it in a jar or glass filled with water. Ensure that the water covers about half of the stalk.
4. Place in sunlight: For optimal growth, place the jar near a sunny windowsill or any area with plenty of natural light.
5. Change water regularly: Refresh the water in the jar every few days to prevent bacterial growth and keep your sprout cutting healthy.
6. Wait for roots to appear: Over time, you’ll notice white roots growing from the base of your Brussels sprout stalk. This process may take anywhere from one to three weeks.
7. Prepare potting soil: Once roots have developed, it’s time to plant your Brussels sprout cutting into soil. Fill a pot or planting container with well-draining potting mix suitable for growing vegetables.
8. Transplant the cutting: Make a hole in the center of your potting mix and gently place your rooted cutting inside it. Spread out the roots before covering them with soil, leaving 1-2 inches between your cutting’s topmost leaf and soil surface.
9. Water thoroughly: After transplanting, make sure to give your Brussels sprout plant a generous amount of water to help it establish itself in its new environment.
10. Choose the right location: Brussels sprouts thrive in full sun and cool temperatures, so place your potted plant in a location that offers plenty of sunlight and cooler conditions.
11. Continue watering regularly: Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy, watering as needed to prevent it from drying out completely.
12. Monitor for pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs that enjoy feasting on Brussels sprout plants. Using insecticidal soap or manually removing them can help control pest populations.
13. Harvest the sprouts: As your plant grows, you’ll see little sprouts start to form along the stalk. Harvest these when they’re about 1-2 inches in diameter by gently twisting them off the stalk.
14. Prune leaves as needed: To encourage the growth of larger sprouts, trim lower leaves along with your plant’s stem as it grows. This will help allow more nutrients to reach your soon-to-be tasty Brussels sprouts.
By following these simple steps, you can regrow Brussels sprouts from cuttings and enjoy this nutritious and versatile vegetable at home throughout the year. Happy gardening!