How to Grow Brussels Sprouts in New Zealand
Needs a long, cool growing season, so they do best in cooler and southern districts and are marginal in warm Auckland summers. Sow in late summer, stake the tall plants and cover against white butterfly.
When to plant brussels sprouts in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April |
Best brussels sprouts varieties for NZ
- Long Island Improved — Dependable open-pollinated sprout with a long picking season. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Groninger — Hardy late-maturing variety that stands well through cold. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
How to grow brussels sprouts
- Space plants about 60cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 120 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow brussels sprouts near: Beetroot, Onion.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Aphids, Diamondback moth. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Brussels Sprouts plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant brussels sprouts in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy brussels sprouts seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.