When to plant Brussels Sprouts in the UK

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
Sow indoors April, plant out May, harvest November to January.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    early April to mid-April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow seeds indoors in modules around early April to mid-April. Cover with of compost and keep at until germination.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    mid-April to early May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Prick out seedlings into individual pots once they have true leaves, around mid-April to early May. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the stems.

  3. 03

    Harden Off Plants

    early May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Harden off plants over 7-10 days around early May to late May to prepare them for outdoor conditions.

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    mid-May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Transplant seedlings to their final position around mid-May to late May. Space them apart and firm the soil well around each plant.

  5. 05

    Install Pest Protection

    mid-May to early June UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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

    late May to late November UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 4 weeks

    Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every 28 days from late May until late November to support growth through the season.

  7. 07

    Harvest Later Sprouts

    late November to late January UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards through late November to late January. 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.