Brassica oleracea 'Gemmifera'

Brussels sprouts, Brassica oleracea Gemmifera Group, 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 seed 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.