Brassica oleracea var. italica 'Early White Sprouting'

White-sprouting broccoli is a tasty and nutritious vegetable that can survive temperatures down to -12°C. Choose the right varieties and time your seed sowing well, and you could harvest crops from autumn right through to early summer. The leaves are also edible. White-sprouting broccoli has a slightly milder flavour compared with purple sprouting broccoli.

Like other brassicas, white-sprouting broccoli thrives in a fairly heavy, alkaline soil – if your soil is acidic, add lime. Grow in a sheltered spot in firm, rich, well-drained soil in full sun.

Plant deeply, 60cm apart, and protect from birds and insects. Water well after planting.