When to plant Brussels Sprouts in London

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 London · average last frost around 4 Apr

Sow indoors March, plant out April to May, harvest December to February. Typical frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYes

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Raise Brussels sprouts for a later winter harvest, with firm soil, pest protection and regular picking from the bottom of the stalk.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    5 Mar to 20 Mar

    Sow seeds indoors in modules around 5th March - 20th March. Cover with of compost and keep at until germination.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    19 Mar to 10 Apr Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Prick out seedlings into individual pots once they have true leaves, around 19th March - 10th April. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the stems.

  3. 03

    Harden Off Plants

    9 Apr to 1 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Harden off plants over 7-10 days around 9th April - 1st May to prepare them for outdoor conditions.

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    18 Apr to 2 May

    Transplant seedlings to their final position around 18th April - 2nd May. Space them apart and firm the soil well around each plant.

  5. 05

    Install Pest Protection

    18 Apr to 9 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Cover plants with fine netting and fit brassica collars immediately after transplanting to protect against common pests.

  6. 06

    Feed Plants

    2 May to 10 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 4 weeks

    Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every 28 days from 2nd May until 10th December to support growth through the season.

  7. 07

    Harvest Later Sprouts

    10 Dec to 8 Feb 2028

    Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards through 10th December - 8th February 2028. Pick them when firm and about walnut-sized. Cold weather often improves the flavour.

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.