When to plant Brussels Sprouts in Liverpool

Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera Group)

Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts · 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.

90 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Liverpool · last frost ≈ 16 Apr

Sow indoors March, plant out April to May, harvest October to March. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYes

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

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. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    2 Mar to 17 Mar

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

    • Move seedlings to a bright spot as soon as they emerge, leggy seedlings rarely catch up.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    16 Mar to 7 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Once seedlings have their first true leaves, prick them out into individual pots around 16th March - 7th April. Handle by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

  3. 03

    Harden Off Plants

    6 Apr to 28 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days around 6th April - 28th April. Start with a few hours in a sheltered spot and increase exposure each day.

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    30 Apr to 14 May

    Plant seedlings into their final position around 30th April - 14th May. Space them apart in firm, fertile soil. Firm the soil well around each plant to prevent wind-rock.

  5. 05

    Install Pest Protection

    30 Apr to 21 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    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. 06

    Feed Plants

    14 May to 23 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 4 weeks

    Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every 28 days from 14th May until 23rd July. Water it in well to support the heavy leafy growth needed for good sprout formation.

    • Switch to a liquid seaweed feed once sprouts start swelling, too much nitrogen at this stage can cause blown sprouts.

  7. 07

    Harvest Sprouts

    13 Oct to 12 Mar 2028

    Start harvesting from the bottom of the stalk upwards around 13th October - 12th March 2028. Pick sprouts when they are firm and about the size of a walnut. Frost improves their flavour, so continue harvesting through winter.

    • Remove yellowing lower leaves regularly to improve air flow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Brussels Sprouts to consider

Brigitte F1

A reliable mid-season variety with uniform, tightly packed sprouts. Performs well in most UK soils and has good disease resistance.

Bedford Fillbasket

A traditional tall variety producing plenty of medium-sized sprouts. A hardy, no-fuss choice that stands up to cold winters.

Diablo F1

A late-cropping variety that holds its quality well. Sprouts are dark green, firm, and have a good flavour after a touch of frost.

Red Rubin

A purple sprout with a slightly nutty taste and a bright colour that holds when cooked. Adds variety to winter harvests and grows well in UK conditions.

Crispus F1

An early variety with a sweet, mild flavour. Compact and consistent, ideal if you want to start picking before the cold sets in.

Brussels Sprouts guides by town

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