Crop type: Brussels Sprouts
Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera Group) ‘Igor’
Common name: Brussels sprout ‘Igor’
Crop slug: brussels-sprouts
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile. Check the source and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Igor’ is an upright annual or biennial Brussels sprout cultivar with an RHS Award of Garden Merit. It produces smooth, dark-green sprouts of uniform shape and size along a sturdy central stem. The plant reaches about 80cm tall, making it a substantial but manageable mid- to late-season choice for winter cropping.
The grey-green to silver-green foliage and columnar habit give the plant the characteristic architectural form of Brussels sprouts. Its consistent sprouts and robust stem are the most useful features for a grower choosing among cultivars.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.5–1 metre
- Ultimate spread
- 0.5–1 metre
- Time to ultimate size
- 1–2 years
The RHS range includes the profile's more specific description of a stem reaching about 80cm. Allow generous spacing so the broad lower leaves and upright stem receive good light and airflow.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Loam and sand
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained or well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral or alkaline
Use fertile soil that holds useful moisture but does not become waterlogged. The listed neutral-to-alkaline preference is typical of brassicas and is particularly relevant where acidic ground increases the risk of clubroot.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- South-, east- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H5 — hardy through most UK winters, tolerating cold conditions once established
Choose an open, sunny bed protected from strong winds. The sturdy stem helps support the crop, but shelter and firm soil reduce rocking as the plant becomes tall and top-heavy.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
| Season | Flowers | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | — | Green, grey and silver | — |
| Summer | — | Green, grey and silver | — |
| Autumn | — | Green, grey and silver | — |
| Winter | — | — | — |
The live profile records green, grey and silver foliage from spring through autumn. Its edible dark-green sprouts are described in the overview, while the seasonal colour table does not assign them to the fruit field. An em dash means that the profile gives no colour for that field and season.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
- Accepted
Genus
Brassica contains annual, biennial and perennial plants, usually upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped yellow or white flowers. The genus includes many food crops, including cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as ornamental plants.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Grow ‘Igor’ in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, protected from strong winds. Firm the ground well at planting time and maintain even moisture while the plant establishes and its sprouts develop.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, either under cover before transplanting or in an outdoor seedbed or final position.
Pruning
No pruning is required. Remove ageing lower leaves where necessary to maintain airflow and access to the developing sprouts.
Pests
Cabbage root fly, caterpillars, cabbage whitefly and mealy cabbage aphid may cause problems. Fine insect-proof mesh fitted securely around the crop provides broad protection.
Diseases
The cultivar may be susceptible to clubroot, downy mildew and powdery mildew. Crop rotation, suitable soil pH, good drainage and adequate spacing help reduce risk.