Sprouting Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Sprouting broccoli is a hardy and nutritious vegetable that produces multiple tender spears with small clusters of purple or white buds, offering repeated harvests in late winter and early spring when fresh produce is scarce. It's easy to grow in the UK, thriving in cool conditions and providing vitamins A, C, and folic acid. Unlike standard broccoli, it focuses on side shoots rather than a single large head, extending the picking season for weeks.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Sprouting Broccoli
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Starting seeds indoors protects young plants from cold weather and gives them a head start for transplanting after the frost risk passes.
1 Sow seeds indoors
Fill modules or small pots with peat-free seed compost. Sow two seeds per cell about deep and cover lightly. Keep in a bright, warm place like a windowsill or propagator at around to encourage quick germination.
2 Thin seedlings
Once your seedlings have emerged and developed their first true leaves, gently remove the weaker one in each cell to leave the strongest plant with plenty of room to grow.
3 Harden off seedlings
To get your plants ready for the outdoors, place them outside during the day and bring them back in at night for about a week. This helps them adjust to cooler temperatures and wind in Andover Down.
4 Transplant outdoors
Once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least in Andover Down, move your plants to their final position. Plant them apart in firm, fertile soil, burying them up to the first leaves for stability. Water them in well to settle the roots.
5 Protect and maintain
Cover your plants with fine mesh netting to keep birds and insects away. Water regularly during dry spells to keep the soil moist, and apply a high-nitrogen feed if growth seems slow. Stake taller plants if they're in a windy spot to prevent rocking.
6 Fertilise
Give your plants a boost by applying an organic high-nitrogen fertiliser around the base when they're about tall. This encourages strong stems and plenty of spears.
7 Harvest spears
Pick the spears when they're well-formed but the buds are still tight—don't wait for flowers to open. Cut the central spear first with a sharp knife to encourage more side shoots, and keep harvesting regularly to extend the cropping period.
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