Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera group Group) 'Franklin'

Brussels sprouts often get a bad press, being renowned for being the over-cooked vegetable left on plates after Christmas Dinner. However, when cooked properly, Brussels sprouts have a delicate, nutty flavour, and taste delicious when used in stir fries and warm winter salads.What's more, they taste much better when eaten fresh, so there's no excuse not to grow your own.

Sow in late spring and plant out in early summer. Firm the soil well around the plant to prevent wind rock. Keep plants well watered and net, if necessary, to prevent bird damage. Harvest after the first frosts for a sweeter flavour.

'Franklin' is one the earliest maturing varieties of Brussels sprouts. The buttons are uniform in size and firm, with a good flavour.