Vegetable · Brassicaceae family
Brussels sprouts
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
In short a 10-second read
Brussels sprouts (vegetable) grows to 0.6–1.2 m tall and 0.6–1.2 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in February–April. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in September–February.
× spread 0.6–1.2 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5.5–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts.
Sowing
sow indoors: February–April
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
September–February
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection.
- Needs no protection
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow Brussels sprouts?
In February–April (sow indoors).
When is Brussels sprouts harvested?
In September–February.
Does Brussels sprouts tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does Brussels sprouts need?
At maturity 0.6–1.2 m wide and 0.6–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 60 cm.
Does Brussels sprouts survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (7)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Brassica oleracea
- RHS — Brussels sprouts — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- EPPO Global Database — Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
