Brussels Sprouts

Botanical name: Brassica oleracea Gemmifera Group

The quality and colour of sprouts is improved by frost and they have a long growing season of 8 to 9 months, so they are more suitable for cooler areas. Steam lightly to retain colour when cooked. Sow seed in time for transplanting in mid summer in cooler areas and for transplanting late January-February in warmer areas. Always harvest sprouts from the bottom before they begin to open; stripping the leaves off just above and below the young sprout will help it to develop, as will pinching out the top once the plant is fully developed.