
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.
Step-by-step instructions for growing Brussels Sprouts
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Time your sowing and transplanting to ensure Brussels sprouts are ready for picking over the festive period.
Sow seeds indoors in modules around 5th March - 20th March for a Christmas harvest. Cover with of compost and keep at until germination.
Prick out seedlings into individual pots once they have true leaves, around 26th March - 2nd April. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the stems.
Harden off plants over 7-10 days around 16th April - 23rd April to prepare them for outdoor conditions.
Transplant seedlings to their final position around 18th April - 2nd May. Space them apart and firm the soil well around each plant.
Cover plants with fine netting and fit brassica collars immediately after transplanting to protect against common pests.
Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every 28 days from 2nd December until 9th May to support growth through the season.
Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards around 2nd December - 31st January. Pick them when firm and walnut-sized; frost sweetens the flavour, making them perfect for festive meals.