No more F1 here (probably)

[Odsox]

I think Brussels Sprouts are the only F1 variety that I consistently grow. Years ago when I grew open pollinated varieties, as I only wanted about half a dozen plants, I always had some not grow well, some had open sprouts and maybe just a couple that grew as expected. Then I tried the then new F1 Peer Gynt and of course all the plants were identical.

Fast forward umpteen years and I now grow just about everything under cover, including sprouts in a tunnel. The problem is I get tip burn, which in my case is due to the raised humidity which inhibits the flow of calcium to the plants extremities, which also affects the sprouts themselves making them inedible.
I have had the tunnel wide open since spring, double doors both ends, and I'm still getting tip burn. But looking at all the other brassicas in there, none of the others are affected. I have PSB, Romanesco broccoli, Calabrese, Cauliflower, Savoy cabbages, January King cabbages and Spring cabbages, all blemish free.
Which leads me to suspect that the F1 sprouts are too inbred and need far too much pampering.

So next year it's back to open pollinated and a search among the dwindling choice of varieties still available.

[Green Aura]

Have a look at Bakers Creek seeds, Tony. They're in the US so postage might be a bit steep but they seem to have ten or more varieties (I only had a very quick look) - all heirloom.

I keep meaning to put an order in with them myself - they do short season varieties of all sorts veg.

[Odsox]

I had a look and they do 3 varieties, as does Real Seeds.
I have no idea what variety I want to grow, possibly more than one to compare, especially taste.
The Bedfords are at least 5 Victorian varieties, some of which are available in mainstream catalogues, and according to my Fruit & Veg Finder book there are 17 open pollinated varieties available in the UK, so at least 20 if you include the American ones.
Don't think I need that many though

[Green Aura]

What is this fruit and veg finder book of which you speak?

[Odsox]

'Tis this one https://www.abebooks.co.uk/Fruit-Veg-Fi ... 5639306/bd
Although it looks like it's out of print again, this edition is 1995 and it cost £7.99 so this person is on the make
It lists all the F1 varieties, just names and who sells it, but all the open pollinated ones get a full description as well.

I did have the previous version, but I just looked and can't find it .. probably charity shop had it, otherwise I could have sent it to you.

[Green Aura]

Blimey, £30 a bit steep. Might wait a while.