How to Harvest Brussels Sprout Leaves

You harvest the leaves and sprouts at the same time.

Brussels sprouts are related to the cabbage family, which is why they look like miniature cabbages. Brussels sprouts need a long growing season, between 82 to 105 days, and cool weather to produce a superb crop, according to the University of Illinois. Brussels sprouts can even handle light frosts. In fact, they grow best with warm days and light frosts at night. Harvesting the Brussels sprout leaves along with the Brussels sprouts themselves allows the plant to keep growing and producing more sprouts and leaves.

Things You'll Need

• Basket
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Check the Brussels sprouts. When they are 1 to 2 inches in diameter, firm and green, they are ready to harvest. When they are yellow they are past their prime. You can still harvest yellow Brussels sprouts, but they won't taste as good as green ones.

2. Use the scissors to cut the Brussels sprout buds from the plant. Hold the sprout and cut the stem holding the sprout to the plant. Place the sprouts in a basket.

3. Cut the leaves from the bottom of the Brussels sprout plant when you harvest the sprouts. Cut the leaves off at the stem of the plant with the scissors. Removing the leaves will stimulate growth of new sprouts. Harvest Brussels sprouts before the lower leaves turn yellow.

References

• University of Illinois: Watch your Garden Grow: Brussels Sprouts
• North Carolina State University; Brussels Sprouts; Douglas C. Sanders; January 2001