Purple brussel sprout 'Red ball' Seeds

Add a vibrant splash of colour and exceptional flavour to your cool-season harvest with 'Red Ball' Brussel Sprout seeds!

A stunning twist on a classic favourite, 'Red Ball' Brussel Sprouts develop beautiful, deep reddish-purple sprouts that not only look incredible in the garden and on the plate but also offer a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavour than their green counterparts. These heirloom gems retain their vibrant colour when cooked, making them a gourmet addition to any meal.

Perfect for the Australian home gardener, 'Red Ball' is a mid-season variety that produces a generous yield of firm, tightly packed sprouts along its sturdy stalk. Imagine the satisfaction of harvesting your own colourful, nutrient-rich Brussel sprouts straight from your garden! They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious choice for your family.

Why choose 'Red Ball' Brussel Sprout Seeds for your garden?

• Striking Colour: Beautiful deep red to purple sprouts that add visual appeal to your garden and kitchen.
• Delicious Flavour: A slightly sweeter, nuttier taste compared to traditional green varieties.
• Retains Colour When Cooked: Unlike some purple vegetables, 'Red Ball' keeps its stunning hue after light cooking.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fibre.
• Productive Harvest: Enjoy a generous yield of flavourful sprouts.
• Cool Season Crop: Ideal for growing in cooler Australian climates, particularly thriving in autumn and winter.

Growing Information (Australia):

• Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera 'Red Ball'
• Type: Annual Vegetable
• Sowing Time (Australia):
  • Cool & Temperate Climates (including Tasmania): Late spring to early summer for a late autumn/winter harvest. Can also be started in late summer/early autumn in some temperate zones.
  • Subtropical Climates: Autumn to early winter.
  • Not generally suited to tropical climates due to their need for cool growing conditions.
• Position: Full sun (at least 6 hours).
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. A pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.
• Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 1cm deep. Start in trays or punnets for later transplanting, or sow directly where they are to grow if conditions are favourable.
• Germination: Typically 7-14 days.
• Spacing: Transplant seedlings or thin direct-sown plants to 45-60cm apart, with 60-75cm between rows to allow for good air circulation and plant development.
• Days to Maturity: Approximately 90-110 days from transplanting. Sprouts mature from the bottom of the stalk upwards.
• Watering: Keep consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
• Feeding: Brussel sprouts are heavy feeders. Prepare soil with well-rotted manure or compost and consider a balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks once plants are established.
• Pest & Disease Notes: Watch out for common brassica pests like cabbage moths (use netting), aphids, and whiteflies. Ensure good crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases.
• Harvesting: Begin harvesting sprouts from the bottom of the stalk when they are firm, tight, and about 2.5-4cm in diameter. Twist or snap them off. Removing lower leaves as sprouts mature can aid air circulation and sprout development. The flavour often improves after a light frost.

Experience the joy of growing these unique and flavourful 'Red Ball' Brussel Sprouts. A true talking point in any veggie patch!