Do Brussels Sprouts Need Staking?

Brussels sprout plants can grow to 90 cm or more in height and carry a heavy load of developing sprouts through autumn and into winter — a combination that makes them vulnerable to being blown over or rocked by wind. Whether staking is necessary depends on the variety, the site, the soil, and how well the plants were firmed in at planting. In exposed gardens or on light soils, staking is almost always worthwhile. In sheltered sites with firm, well-consolidated soil, many gardeners manage without it.

When to stake Brussels sprouts

Stake plants at planting time or shortly after if you are in an exposed position. Inserting a stake once the plant has grown tall and started to rock is more difficult and risks damaging the roots. A single cane or stake pushed firmly into the ground beside each plant and tied loosely with soft twine or a figure-of-eight tie is sufficient for most situations. In very exposed sites, a low wire or string run along a row, attached to posts at each end, can support several plants at once.

Earthing up as an alternative

Earthing up — drawing soil up around the base of the stem — is a more traditional method of stabilising Brussels sprout plants and is effective on most soils. As the plant grows, hoe or pull loose soil up around the base of the stem, building up a slight mound. Do this progressively through the growing season, adding more soil each time you hoe between the rows. This both increases root anchorage and encourages additional roots to form along the buried stem, strengthening the plant.

Choosing the right stake

For individual plants, a bamboo cane 90–120 cm tall is ideal. Push it into the ground on the windward side of the plant so that when the wind pushes against the plant it bears against the stake rather than pulling away from it. Attach the stem to the cane with soft garden twine, raffia, or a proprietary plant tie — use a figure-of-eight tie that cushions the stem rather than a simple loop that might cut in as the stem thickens. Check the ties periodically and loosen if they are becoming tight.

Dealing with plants that have already fallen

If plants have been rocked by wind and worked loose in the soil, firm them back down with your foot, re-earth them, and stake if you have not already done so. If the stem is cracked or the roots are significantly disturbed, the plant may not fully recover — harvest any usable sprouts from it and remove it if it continues to decline. The sooner you re-firm a rocked plant, the better its chances of continuing to produce a decent crop.