Mr Fothergill's Brussels Sprout Brechin F1 Seeds, Sweet, firm, quality 'buttons' all winter. Pick sprouts from the bottom of the plants and work upwards. The loose ‘cabbage’ top can also be eaten.

Sow outdoors thinly in a seed bed, 1.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Water well until plants are established. Transplant 60cm apart when plants are about 10cm tall. Allow 60cm between rows. Plant firmly and keep well watered. Or sow indoors 0.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Keep moist. Transplant 5cm apart to other trays when large enough to handle. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out. Pick sprouts from the bottom of the plants and work upwards. The loose ‘cabbage’ top can also be eaten.

• Fast maturing, ready for Christmas, even in Scotland
• Disease resistant and holds well, even in poor weather
• Good source of vitamin C and folate

Sow time: Feb-Apr
Flowering/Harvesting time: Dec-Feb