Brussels sprouts are members of the brassica family and it’s thought that a form was first cultivated by the Romans. Brussels sprouts as we would know them date back to the 13th century and were grown in the region of Belgium that gave them their name, the first written reference was in 1587.Modern hybrid brussels sprouts are a revelation for reliability of cropping and the holding power of buttons on the stems. New varieties have a greatly improved flavour and some are so sweet that they are delicious eaten raw, grated into salads. Read more
How to grow Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts grow best in firm, fertile soil, rich in organic matter. They benefit from a sunny and sheltered position away from high winds. The soil must be dug over in the autumn and not prior to planting out.
Seed can be sown in a well-prepared seed bed from March to April, however to minimise root disturbance, they are best started off undercover in pots or modules and planted out when about 12cm/5in high. Sow seed thinly to a depth of 1cm/ ½ in and cover with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite, transplant from May (depending on variety) leaving approx. 75cm/2½ft between plants and rows. Use Cabbage Collars around the base of the seedlings if cabbage root fly is a problem and protect from birds. Apply a foliar feed in early summer and stake plants in the winter to protect from high winds. Show less