Brussels Sprout 'Red Bull'

This striking red Brussels sprout variety adds a wonderful architectural and colourful element to the winter vegetable patch. Unlike traditional green sprouts, 'Red Bull' produces beautiful, deep purple-red buttons that intensify in colour after the first frosts. The flavour is slightly nuttier and sweeter than green varieties. As a slow-growing biennial, it forms a stout, upright stem that can reach 90cm in height, often requiring staking in windy UK gardens. It is exceptionally hardy (H5) and stands well throughout the winter, providing a harvest from November through March. The plant features attractive glaucous leaves with purple veins. For the best results, plant in firm, alkaline to neutral soil that has been well-manured the previous season. The red colour is retained during light steaming, though it can bleed if boiled. It is largely resistant to the physiological disorders that affect many modern hybrids, making it a reliable choice for the home grower.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Heavy, firm, alkaline soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.