If you’re an aspiring gardener trying to learn how to grow Brussels sprouts in the UK, you must plan to plant them in late spring. Since it takes them a while to mature, their growing season could take much longer than other vegetable varieties. However, as long as you have the patience to wait, you’ll find it relatively easy to grow these vegetables.
Although many people aware that Brussels sprouts received their name after Belgium’s capital city, this type of vegetable was initially enjoyed in ancient Rome. Furthermore, this annual non-flowering plant’s botanical name is Brassica oleracea. In their mature form, Brussels sprouts reach up to 30 inches in length and about 8 to 12 inches in terms of width.
Furthermore, it thrives when one plant it in loamy soil with a 6.5 to 6.8 pH and positioned in a spot where it can get total sun exposure. Since the UK’s hardiness zones range from 3a to 7a, you can practically grow Brussels sprouts just about anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Knowing How to Grow Brussels Sprouts in the UK
As previously mentioned, it’s best to begin the seeds indoors for about 4 to 6 weeks before you plant them. Should you decide to plant them in June, your Brussels sprouts will have enough time to grow before the autumn season begins. Since they take longer to mature, these cool-season crops need a light frost to enhance their growth.
You’ll need to make sure that the soil is evenly moist so that your crop won’t fail. One way of doing this is to give mulching a try.
Are Brussels Sprouts Easy to Grow?
Yes, it’s relatively easy to grow Brussels sprouts compared to other types of vegetables. What’s more, they don’t take up much space in your veggie garden.
Brussels sprouts need to be started indoors for four weeks before your area’s last frost date. However, it’s important to note that these are long-season crops planted in spring and harvested in the autumn.
How Long Does It Take to Grow Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts are known to be slow-growing vegies. Under normal circumstances, they usually take an average of about 26 to 31 weeks before they get to produce an excellent crop of sprouts.
They typically reach maturity between 80 and 90 days after they’re transplanted and, depending on the variety of sprouts, they take between 100 and 110 days after one sow the seed.
What is the Best Month to Plant Brussels Sprouts?
The best month to plant Brussels sprouts depends on your location within the UK. It’s best for gardeners from Zones 3 and 6 to start seeds indoors in May. On the other hand, the planting schedule for Brussels sprouts in Zones 4, 5, and 7 is in April.
Do Brussels Sprouts Come Back Every Year?
Although Brussels sprouts are usually grown as annuals, they classified as biennial plants. If one keeps the plant for two seasons, they’ll produce four-petalled yellow flowers.
What are the Benefits of Growing Plants in a Polytunnel?
If you’re not aware, plants happen to grow better and faster when one plants it in a polytunnel. Many people tend to think twice before deciding to embark on their polytunnel gardening journey because of the cost.
However, the benefits that they get by setting up their polytunnel far outweighs the cost. If you’re curious to know more about the benefits of polytunnel gardening, check this out:
You’ll get to grow your food
One of the most significant benefits of polytunnel gardening is the fact that you’ll get to grow your food. Growing your food spells more savings on groceries because fruits and vegetables can get pretty expensive.
You’ll be able to control the polytunnel eco-system
Polytunnel plants tend to grow faster and better than those that a person plants in traditional outdoor gardens. Faster and better planting isbecauset, unlike their outdoor counterparts, polytunnel plants live in a controlled environment where the temperature, moisture, and humidity are maintained at their optimal levels to enhance plant growth.
Your plants won’t be exposed to inclement weather
Your polytunnel can serve as a layer of protection for your plants against harsh weather conditions such as torrential rains, snow, hail, and strong winds.
You can keep harmful bugs and animals out
Polytunnel gardening allows you to keep seasonal pests and creatures at bay. Moreover, pest control is much easier to implement because a polytunnel is a closed system. Conversely, you also have the option to place insects such as bees and ladybugs that help protect your plants and improve their quality.
You’ll have more plant options
A polytunnel allows you to plant fruits, veggies, and flowers that aren’t native to your region. As long as you know and understand what these exotic plants need to thrive, you can make the necessary adjustments to reap your ideal harvest.
Learn How to Grow Brussels Sprouts in the UK Polytunnels!
Now that you’ve probably figured out how to grow Brussels sprouts in the UK, why don’t you give polytunnel gardening a try? Krostrade produces solid and durable polytunnels made from top-quality materials and specially made to meet your needs. Check out our products today!