Brussels Sprout Seeds FAQs
Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Brussels Sprout Seeds in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.
When to Plant Brussels Sprout Seeds
Brussels sprout seeds should be sown indoors or in a cold frame from February to April. For a later crop, you can also sow seeds directly outdoors in a prepared seedbed from March to April. Transplant seedlings to their final positions in the garden once they have grown to about 10-15cm tall, usually around May or June. Brussels sprouts are slow-growing and require a long growing season, so it’s important to start early to ensure a bountiful harvest in late autumn and winter.
How to Grow Brussels Sprouts from Seed
To grow Brussels sprouts from seed, sow the seeds thinly in seed trays or modules filled with good-quality seed compost. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite and keep them moist, but not waterlogged. Place the trays in a cool, bright location with a temperature of around 10-15°C. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or directly into their final positions in the garden. Space the plants about 60-75cm apart in rows, with 75cm between rows, to allow ample room for growth. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser every few weeks to promote strong, healthy growth. Mulching around the plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How Long Does It Take to Harvest Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts are typically ready to harvest around 26 to 31 weeks after sowing, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The sprouts form along the stem and are best harvested when they are firm, tightly packed, and about 2.5-4cm in diameter. Begin harvesting from the bottom of the stem, where the sprouts mature first, and work your way upwards as the season progresses. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new sprouts. Brussels sprouts are frost-hardy and often taste sweeter after exposure to a light frost, so they can be harvested well into the winter months.
Why Grow Brussels Sprouts from Seed?
Growing Brussels sprouts from seed offers several benefits, including the opportunity to select from a wide range of varieties, from early maturing to late-season types. Starting from seed is also more economical, especially if you plan to grow a large number of plants or want to experiment with different varieties. By growing Brussels sprouts from seed, you can control every aspect of the growing process, ensuring that your plants are strong, healthy, and suited to your garden’s conditions. Additionally, growing your own Brussels sprouts from seed allows you to enjoy the freshest produce, picked at its peak flavour and nutritional value.
Where Can You Grow Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts are best grown in open, sunny locations with fertile, well-drained soil. They thrive in traditional garden beds or raised beds, where they can develop strong root systems and tall, sturdy stems. Brussels sprouts can also be grown in large containers, provided they have enough depth and space to accommodate the plants' growth. Because Brussels sprouts require a long growing season, they are well-suited to the cooler climates of the UK, where they can be grown successfully from late spring through to winter. Companion planting with other brassicas, such as kale and cabbage, or herbs like mint and thyme, can help to deter pests and improve the health of your Brussels sprouts crop.
Why Buy Brussels Sprout Seeds 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 Seeds.
- 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 Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.
