Brussels Sprouts in Abberton
Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera Group)
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Brussels Sprouts
Planting Calendar
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Grow Brussels sprouts for a harvest from autumn through winter, with sprouts maturing from the bottom of the stalk upwards.
1 Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds indoors in modules or pots around 23rd February - 10th March. Use a good seed compost and cover with of soil. Keep at for germination, which takes 7-14 days.
2 Prick Out Seedlings
Once seedlings have their first true leaves, prick them out into individual pots around 16th March - 23rd March. Handle by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.
3 Harden Off Plants
Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days around 6th April - 13th April. Start with a few hours in a sheltered spot and increase exposure each day.
4 Transplant Outdoors
Plant seedlings into their final position around 23rd April - 7th May. Space them apart in firm, fertile soil. Firm the soil well around each plant to prevent wind-rock.
5 Install Pest Protection
Immediately after transplanting, cover plants with fine mesh netting to protect against cabbage white butterflies and pigeons. Fit brassica collars around the base of each stem to deter cabbage root fly.
6 Feed Plants
Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every 28 days from 4th December until 14th May. Water it in well to support the heavy leafy growth needed for good sprout formation.
7 Harvest Sprouts
Start harvesting from the bottom of the stalk upwards around 4th December - 18th August. Pick sprouts when they are firm and about the size of a walnut. Frost improves their flavour, so continue harvesting through winter.
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