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Vegetable
Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts in Barne Barton

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.

Height90cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Brussels Sprouts

Planting Calendar

Seed IndoorLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow Brussels sprouts for a harvest from autumn through winter, with sprouts maturing from the bottom of the stalk upwards.

  1. Sow Seeds Indoors

    2 Feb – 17 Feb

    Sow seeds indoors in modules or pots around 2nd February - 17th February. Use a good seed compost and cover with of soil. Keep at for germination, which takes 7-14 days.

  2. Prick Out Seedlings

    23 Feb – 2 Mar

    Once seedlings have their first true leaves, prick them out into individual pots around 23rd February - 2nd March. Handle by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

  3. Harden Off Plants

    16 Mar – 23 Mar

    Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days around 16th March - 23rd March. Start with a few hours in a sheltered spot and increase exposure each day.

  4. Transplant Outdoors

    2 Apr – 16 Apr

    Plant seedlings into their final position around 2nd April - 16th April. Space them apart in firm, fertile soil. Firm the soil well around each plant to prevent wind-rock.

  5. Install Pest Protection

    9 Apr – 16 Apr

    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

    23 Apr – 22 Dec
    every 4 weeks

    Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every 28 days from 23rd April until 22nd December. Water it in well to support the heavy leafy growth needed for good sprout formation.

  7. Harvest Sprouts

    28 Jul – 22 Dec

    Start harvesting from the bottom of the stalk upwards around 28th July - 22nd December. Pick sprouts when they are firm and about the size of a walnut. Frost improves their flavour, so continue harvesting through winter.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Brussels Sprouts.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Also in nearby towns

See how Brussels Sprouts timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.