Sprouting Broccolis in Wath
Brassica oleracea var. italica
A hardy brassica grown for side shoots and early spring spears in the UK. Sow in spring, transplant once the soil has warmed a little, then net well and keep plants watered and fed so they stand through winter for a spring crop.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Sprouting Broccoli
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds Indoors
20 Feb – 7 MarSow seeds in modules around 20th February - 7th March, about deep. Keep them in bright, cool conditions and prick out the seedlings once they have a couple of true leaves.
Grow On Seedlings
13 Mar – 27 MarFrom 13th March, keep the young plants moving steadily in good light and water them lightly but regularly. Avoid letting them become pot-bound, as checked growth can lead to weaker plants later.
Harden Off Plants
27 Mar – 10 AprHarden off seedlings over 15 days from 27th March to 10th April. Give them a few days outside in shelter, then leave them out for longer each day before planting.
Transplant and Firm In
20 Apr – 4 MayPlant out from 20th April, setting each plant apart in rows spaced wider than that. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then firm the soil hard around the stems so the roots do not rock in the wind.
Protect from Pests
27 Apr – 7 DecFrom 27th April, cover the crop with fine mesh to keep out cabbage white butterflies and pigeons. Fit brassica collars round the stems at planting time or soon after to reduce cabbage root fly damage.
Feed Plants
18 May – 24 Octevery 4 weeksStart feeding from 18th May and repeat every 28 days until 24th October. Use a high-nitrogen feed while the plants are making leaves, then stop before the coldest weather so the growth stays firm rather than soft.
Harvest Sprays
22 Dec – 1 AprCut the first side shoots from 22nd December and keep picking until 1st April. Harvest the shoots while they are tight and tender, cutting just above a leaf joint so more side shoots can follow.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Sprouting Broccoli.
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.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Sprouting Broccoli to consider
Claret
A reliable purple sprouting type with good cold tolerance and a long picking season.
Red Arrow
An early purple sprouting broccoli that gives useful side shoots from late winter into spring.
Santee
A green sprouting broccoli grown for dependable spring spears and side shoots.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
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.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.