Brussels Sprouts Rosny - Brassica oleracea gemmifera

Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera) 'De Rosny' is a classic French variety that is easy to grow. This variety of Brussels Sprout is late, hardy, and productive. Its heads persist for a long time without opening. Sow from February to May for a harvest from September to December.

Brussels sprouts are a vegetable whose axillary buds are consumed, forming small heads also called "buttons". This biennial vegetable, cultivated as an annual, belongs to the large Brassicaceae family of (formerly Cruciferae). Latin enthusiasts will appreciate the name "Gemmifera", which refers to precious stones.

Originating from Belgium, it is a hybrid developed in the 14th century by market gardeners from Saint-Gilles (a municipality in the Brussels periphery), concerned with increasing their productivity. Brussels sprouts take up little space on the ground and provide a generous yield.

Brussels sprouts are the ultimate autumn and winter vegetables. They have a sweet, slightly sugary, and comforting flavour. Carefully cooked, their delicate taste pairs well with bacon and chestnuts. They can be consumed cooked, sautéed, braised, or even in gratin. Quickly steam the sprouts and use them cold in salads. They are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins C and B.

Brussels sprouts are a much less demanding than the majority of brassicas. They thrive in the sun and in moderately rich soil, especially in nitrogen. Heavily fertilised soil will produce small, open, or burst heads.

Harvest: start from the bottom of the stem and cut the small heads with a knife.

Storage: they can be stored for 3 to 4 days in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. They can also be frozen after being blanched for 3 to 5 minutes in salted boiling water.

Gardener's tip: cabbage white butterflies (Pieris brassicae) can be a problem. This cream-white butterfly with small black spots wakes up from April-May to wreak havoc all summer by devouring brassica leaves. Don't be caught off guard. Protect the plants with an insect-proof cover placed over market garden hoops, which are then placed over the vegetables. These covers are easy to use and can protect a range of vegetable crops, including Brussels sprouts, carrots, and leeks. The covers are reusable.