Brussels Sprouts in Papworth St Agnes

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 Papworth St Agnes · last frost ≈ 8 May

Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest September to November. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Brussels Sprouts

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

    24 Mar to 8 Apr

    Sow seeds indoors in modules or pots around 24th March - 8th April. 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

    14 Apr to 21 Apr

    Once seedlings have their first true leaves, prick them out into individual pots around 14th April - 21st April. Handle by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

  3. 03

    Harden Off Plants

    5 May to 12 May

    Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days around 5th May - 12th May. Start with a few hours in a sheltered spot and increase exposure each day.

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    22 May to 5 Jun

    Plant seedlings into their final position around 22nd May - 5th June. Space them apart in firm, fertile soil. Firm the soil well around each plant to prevent wind-rock.

  5. 05

    Install Pest Protection

    29 May to 5 Jun

    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

    12 Jun to 26 Nov every 4 weeks

    Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every 28 days from 12th June until 26th November. 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

    27 Sept to 26 Nov

    Start harvesting from the bottom of the stalk upwards around 27th September - 26th November. 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.

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.

Brussels Sprouts guides by town

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