Brussels sprouts
Brassica oleracea Gemmifera Group · Moderate
A long-season winter brassica that occupies substantial space but crops when little else does.
Sow
Sow from March to May.
Plant
Plant out firmly in May or June.
Harvest
September to March, depending on variety.
Practical growing notes
Give brussels sprouts the right space.
- Plant spacing
- About 60 cm between plants and 75 cm between rows.
- Light
- Full sun.
- Containers
- Generally unsuitable except for very large containers.
Why grow it?
Reliable winter harvests and edible tops after the sprouts finish.
Watch for
Needs firm soil, generous spacing and protection from brassica pests.
Keep the bed moving
What can follow brussels sprouts?
A succession-friendly salad crop, especially useful as loose-leaf or cut-and-come-again types.
brassica familyRadishesOne of the fastest food crops, ideal for gaps and repeated small sowings.
beet familyChardA robust cut-and-come-again leaf crop that can bridge summer, autumn and the following spring.
beet familySpinachA quick cool-season leaf crop for spring and autumn, with repeat pickings from small sowings.