Brussels Sprouts – Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

Common Name: Brussels Sprouts

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera, BRAS-si-ca o-ler-ACE-ee-a

Decorative Life: 5-7 days.

Availability: Fall, Summer, Year Round

• Member of the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae (mustard family).
• Native to Europe.
• Related species include cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli.

• Globular buds, 1 inch in diameter, composed of compacted leaves, are crowded along thick stems.
• Stems 24-36 inches long.
• Plant is an annual, classed as a dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined.
• Odor of plant parts may be unpleasant.

32-34F.

• The specific epithet name “oleracea” generally means of the garden whereas the variety name “gemmifera” means bud-bearing, in reference to the location of the sprouts.
• Cruciferae means cross, referring to the flower petals positioned as a cross. In obvious reference to Jesus and the crucifix.