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Vegetable
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.

Height90cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Brussels Sprouts

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Growing Guide for the UK

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Grow Brussels sprouts for a harvest from autumn through winter, with sprouts maturing from the bottom of the stalk upwards.

1
Sow Seeds Indoors

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

2
Prick Out Seedlings

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

3
Harden Off Plants

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

4
Transplant Outdoors

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

5
Install Pest Protection

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
Feed Plants

every 4 weeks

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

7
Harvest Sprouts

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