Brussels Sprout Plants

Brussels Sprout Plants FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Brussel Sprout Plants in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to plant Brussels Sprout Plants

The best time to plant Brussels sprout plants in the UK is late spring to early summer, typically from May to June, once the risk of frost has passed. Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop, so they should be planted early enough to allow them to mature before the first frost of autumn. If starting from seed, sow the seeds indoors in March to April, and then transplant the seedlings outdoors once they are sturdy enough and the weather is warm enough for them to thrive. For an autumn harvest, ensure that the plants are well-established before the warmer summer months.

How to Plant Brussels Sprout Plants

To plant Brussels sprout plants, choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Start by sowing Brussels sprout seeds indoors in March to April in small pots or seed trays, using a seed compost. Once the seedlings are around 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) tall and the risk of frost has passed, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days. Transplant the seedlings outdoors in late spring to early summer (May to June), spacing them about 60 cm (24 inches) apart in rows that are 75 cm (30 inches) apart. Ensure that you plant them at the same depth they were in their pots, firm the soil gently around the roots, and water thoroughly. Brussels sprouts benefit from regular watering and can be mulched to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How long do Brussels Sprout Plants take to grow

Brussels sprout plants typically take around 90 to 180 days (about 3 to 6 months) to grow from transplanting to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions. After transplanting in late spring or early summer, you can expect to start harvesting small sprouts once they have matured in autumn, typically from October to November. The plants grow slowly, with the sprouts developing along the stem over several months. For continuous harvesting, you can pick the sprouts from the bottom of the plant upwards, starting when they reach about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter.

Why Grow Brussels Sprout Plants?

Growing Brussels sprout plants offers a variety of benefits for gardeners. They are a nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Brussels sprouts are cold-hardy and thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for autumn and winter harvests. They also have the advantage of being space-efficient, as they can be grown in smaller areas or raised beds. Brussels sprouts are a high-yield crop, producing multiple sprouts per plant, and they store well after harvest, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce well into the colder months. Additionally, growing your own Brussels sprouts ensures a supply of pesticide-free vegetables. Their unique appearance and ability to withstand frost make them an attractive and hardy choice for the garden.

Where can you grow Brussels Sprout Plants?

Brussels sprout plants can be grown in a variety of locations across the UK, as long as they have a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained, fertile soil. They thrive in vegetable gardens, raised beds, or allotments, and can also be grown in containers if space is limited. Brussels sprouts prefer cooler climates, making them ideal for planting in early spring for an autumn harvest. They do best in areas with moderate temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, which can even improve their flavour. If you live in a cooler region, greenhouses or polytunnels can be used to extend the growing season and protect the plants from severe weather.

Why Buy Brussels Sprout Plants from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Brussels Sprout Plants and other plants.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.