Applications of trace elements may be required at 12 to 18 month intervals in the vegetable program. Soil analysis before planting and leaf analysis after planting, plus nutrient analysis of the water will provide information for adjustments to the above fertiliser programs. Irrigation Regular irrigation by overhead sprinklers is needed. The irrigation water should have total soluble salts less than 1200 ppm. There should be a rotation of at least three years between crops in the brassica family.
Herbicides are available to control most weeds before and after planting.
Harvest Brussels sprouts are ready for harvest about 14 weeks after transplanting and can be picked for 2 to 3 months. Plants are picked by hand three times per week in the cooler weather. Machine harvesting of the total crop is common in Europe. The main season of harvesting from Western Australia is from April to September, with a very small production in summer from the Warren area. Begin harvesting as the sprouts mature at the base of the plant.