Brassica oleracea 'Brussels Sprout Red Ball' – Decorative and mild red Brussels sprouts

Colorful, nutritious and surprisingly mild

Brassica oleracea 'Brussels Sprout Red Ball' is a decorative and tasty Brussels sprout with unique purple-red florets. This striking variety combines a light, sweet flavor with a beautiful color, making it a real eye-catcher both in the garden and on the plate.

Red Ball is a classic Brussels sprout variety with a modern twist – ideal for gardeners who want to grow something special. The florets only turn fully reddish-purple in autumn, when temperatures begin to drop. Cold nights create a more intense color and an even milder flavor.

Characteristics of Brassica oleracea Brussels Sprout Red Ball

Red Ball Brussels sprouts form compact plants with sturdy stems and small, even florets. Their distinctive purple hue is best appreciated when grown in cooler conditions for extended periods.

Key Features:

• 🌿 Type: Red Brussels sprouts

• 🥦 Sprout color: Purple-red

• ⚡ Harvest time: Approximately 120–130 days after sowing

• 🌱 Sowing period: Early March – May (pre-sowing)

• 🌞 Location: Full sun

• ❄️ Winter hardy: Resistant to light frost (not severe frost)

• 🌾 Planting distance: 50 × 50 cm

• 🍽️ Taste: Mild and slightly sweet

• 🎨 Special feature: Decorative red color, ideal for kitchen and garden

Cultivation and care

Sowing: Sow indoors or in a seedbed from early March to late May. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are firm enough and then plant them out 50 x 50 cm apart.

Soil: Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders and require nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Work compost or organic fertilizer into the soil before planting.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist; drought can lead to smaller or looser-shaped florets.
Fertilizing: Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost tea during growth to strengthen the plants.
Care: Remove yellowed leaves and top up the stems for added stability.

Coloring tip:
Cooler temperatures in autumn promote deep red color. However, avoid severe frost – harvest the sprouts before winter truly sets in.

Harvest and use

The Red Ball can be harvested from late September to late December, depending on when it's sown. The small florets have a firm structure and retain some of their purple color after cooking, making for a striking presentation in dishes.

Harvest tips:

• Start harvesting once the florets feel firm and have a nice purple color.

• Work from the bottom up for a longer harvest period.

• Harvest before hard frost to prevent damage to the plants.

Culinary applications:

• Steamed or boiled as a colorful side dish

• Roasted with balsamic and garlic

• In stews, pasta dishes or winter salads

• Raw, thinly sliced, for a surprising color accent

The mild, slightly sweet flavor makes Red Ball an ideal choice for those who find Brussels sprouts too bitter. This variety combines flavor, color, and nutritional value in one unique crop.

Benefits of Brassica oleracea Brussels Sprout Red Ball

✅ Decorative variety – striking purple-red sprouts for garden and plate
✅ Mild, slightly sweet taste – softer than traditional Brussels sprouts
✅ Reliable cultivation – comparable to green Brussels sprout varieties
✅ Good cold resistance – colours more intensely at lower temperatures
✅ Nutritious and healthy – rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fibre
✅ Versatile in use – delicious cooked, roasted or raw

The Red Ball is the perfect choice for gardeners who appreciate unique colors and refined flavors. This variety combines variety, decoration, and nutrition in a single plant and definitely deserves a place in the winter garden.

Summary

• Latin name: Brassica oleracea 'Brussels Sprout Red Ball'

• Type: Red Brussels sprouts

• Sprout color: Purple-red

• Height: 70–90 cm

• Location: Full sun

• Sowing period: March – May (pre-sowing)

• Planting distance: 50 × 50 cm

• Harvest period: End of September – end of December

• Special features: Decorative red colour, mild flavour, suitable for cooking or steaming.