Brussels Sprouts Long Island Improved

Brussels Sprouts with Long Island Improved

Plant Brussels Sprouts Long Island Improved (*Brassica oleracea*) for a reliable and widely adapted open-pollinated heirloom variety, a favorite of home and commercial growers alike. These compact plants grow to about 24 inches tall and yield abundant harvests of tight, tender sprouts averaging 1 ½ inches in diameter.

With a relative maturity of 100 days from sowing, this variety is ideally suited for a fall crop, as frost enhances its delicious flavor.

Planting and Growing for a Fall Harvest

For the best flavor, sow your Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts seeds late in May or early June for a fall harvest. Plant seeds ½ inch deep in well-draining soil. When seedlings reach 6 inches tall, transplant or thin them to 2 feet apart. Ensure the soil is compressed around the base and kept consistently moist.

Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and carefully remove weeds. Provide stakes for support if heavy winds are expected. As lower leaves on the stem turn yellow, remove them to encourage sprout development. Control aphids with a strong stream of water if they appear.

Harvesting and Storage for Extended Enjoyment

Approximately four months after transplanting, your first sprouts should be ready for harvest. Twist them off the stem starting from the bottom upwards; sprouts around 1 inch in diameter are the most tender.

For continued harvesting after the first frost, you can hang the entire plant upside down in a cool location, allowing the remaining sprouts to mature for several more weeks. Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts also freeze exceptionally well for long-term storage.

Seed Saving for Future Generations

To save seeds from your Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts, overwintering the plant is necessary as seed heads develop in early spring. In colder climates, dig up the plant and store it, stem and all, in moist sand at around 40°F. Replant 3-4 weeks before the last spring frost.

Allow any remaining sprouts to flower, mature, and fully dry on the stem. Once the seed heads are dry and brown, they will open, so monitor them closely to collect the seeds before they fall. Store your saved Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts seeds in a cool, dry place for up to five years.

• Open Pollinated, Heirloom Variety
• Most Common and Widely Adapted
• Compact Plants Grow to 24 Inches Tall
• Produces Abundant Tight, Tender Sprouts (1 ½” Diameter)
• Relative Maturity: 100 Days from Sowing
• Flavor Improved by Frost
• Suitable for USDA Zones 3-12
• Requires Full Sun
• Planting Method: From Transplant

Order your Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts seeds today and enjoy a classic heirloom variety with a delicious fall harvest!