Mechanical transplanters, hand transplanters or hand trowels may be used. To insure proper settling of soil around the roots, the transplants should be watered well. When seeding directly in the row it is advisable to prepare the soil ahead of time and plant after a soaking rain or irrigation. Brussels sprouts are a long season crop and weeds can be a serious problem. Preemergence herbicides are also very helpful.
Aphids are especially difficult to control.
A rigid control program will be necessary and the program must be started early. For pest control check the N.C. Agricultural Chemical Manual or contact the county extension center for specific recommendations. Irrigation - An application of 1 to 1.5 inches of water every 7 days is highly desirable to produce large yields of high quality Brussels sprouts. These buds are harvested when they attain 1 to 2 inches in diameter, are firm, but before they turn yellow. Harvesting starts about 90 to 100 days after field seeding.