SEEDS

Fast-growing and easy-to-grow broccoli with tender stems, also known as green sprouting broccoli, is a popular alternative to round headed varieties. Sweettasting bluish-green stems are delicious picked fresh and lightly steamed.Sow seed thinly 6mm (¼in) deep, and cover with a sprinkling of dry vermiculite or finely sieved compost. Place the seed and tray in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag and keep at around 18-21?C (65-70?F) until seeds germinate which takes 4-7 days.When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or multi-cell trays. Plant out once the plants are approximately 10-15cm (4-6in) tall, into well-prepared soil allowing 38cm (15in) apart each way. Alternatively, sow thinly in a well-prepared seedbed, 1cm (½in) deep, and plant out when large enough to handle allowing 38cm (15in) apart each way. Sow successionally forextended harvest.

An outstanding early variety producing a smooth domed 350g (12oz) head with tight beads 70-80 days from transplanting. Once the central head has been cut the plant will produce plenty of tasty side shoots. Partial downy mildew resistance and resistant to white blister. RHS AGM.Sow seed thinly 6mm (1/4in) deep, and cover with a sprinkling of dry vermiculite or finely sieved compost. Place the seed and tray in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag and keep at around 18-21C (65-70F) until seeds germinate. This will take about 4-7 days.When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or multi-cell trays. Plant out once the plants are approximately 10-15cm (4-6in) tall, into well-prepared soil allowing 38cm (15in) apart each way. Alternatively, sow thinly in a well-prepared seedbed, 1cm (1/2in) deep, and plant out when large enough to handle allowing 38cm (15in) apart each way. Sow successionally for extended harvest.

A 2-in-1, autumn-maturing Brussels sprout producing well spaced, tasty round ‘buttons’ with the added bonus of the sweet, cabbage like top which is delicious eaten as ‘greens’. Plants show good resistance to stem mildew, leaf spot and alternaria.Sow Brussels Sprout seed indoors from February. Alternatively direct sow outdoors from March into a well prepared seedbed, for transplanting to their final positions later on. Sow at a depth of 13mm (½") and distance of 30cm (12") between rows.Indoors, sow seed in 7.5cm (3") pots or trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost and cover with a 6mm (¼") layer of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 15C (60F) until germination which takes around 7 days. Once germinated, grow Brussels Sprouts on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting Brussels Sprout plants outdoors in firm, rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Prepare the soil in advance in early spring by adding plenty of well rotted farmyard manure to the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Plant brassicas at a distance of 60cm (24") apart and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.Water Brussels sprouts regularly and do not allow them to dry out as this may impair their development. Hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing and bring insect larvae to the surface. Remove any yellowed or diseased leaves as they occur. Brussels Sprouts can be harvested from October to December but their flavour will be improved if they are left exposed to the first frosts. Culinary note: Brussels sprouts are suitable for freezing.

Sturdy plants with good standing ability and good button set. Smooth, good quality sprouts with a mild taste. Finally, a club-root resistant sprout you can harvest for Christmas day!Sow thinly direct into a finely raked, weed-free seedbed at a depth of 13mm (½in). Alternatively, seeds can be started off in small pots or modules in a cold frame or cold greenhouse.Transplant when large enough to handle allowing 60cm (24in) between plants each way. Plants grow best in a bed that has been manured the autumn before and the ground should be firmed after planting to ensure firm buttons. Pick sprouts from the bottom of the plant and work your way upwards. Cover with netting to prevent damage from pigeons.