Why Grow Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts?

A Winter Garden Classic Long Island Improved Brussels Sprout is a time-tested heirloom variety that has been a favorite since the late 1800s. Once the standard commercial Brussels sprout grown throughout the United States, this dependable variety produces sturdy 20–24 inch stalks loaded with uniform, flavorful sprouts. Its reliable performance and excellent eating quality have made it a longtime favorite for home gardeners and market growers alike.

Heavy Harvests with Sweet, Frost-Enhanced Flavor Long Island Brussels Sprout can produce an impressive 50–75 sprouts per stalk, with each sprout averaging 1–1½ inches in diameter. The firm, compact sprouts develop a rich, sweet flavor that becomes even better after exposure to a light winter frost. Perfect for roasting, sautéing, steaming, or fresh garden harvests, this productive heirloom is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow a classic variety with outstanding flavor and dependable yields.

Long Island Improved Brussels Sprout Growing Tips

• When to Plant Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a "cool season" vegetable that grow best in the fall and early spring months. Brussels sprouts are typically cold-tolerant down to 20°F, which make them a great option for many gardeners to grow throughout the winter months. If the winter temperatures are severe in your area, consider waiting until late winter to plant.

Much like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, Brussels sprouts should be transplanted and not directly sewn in the garden. Plant seeds indoors or in a greenhouse 4-6 weeks before your intended in-ground planting date. Brussels sprout transplants should be planted outdoors once they have a well-established root ball in their seed starting containers.

Brussels sprout plants should be planted approximately 1' apart along your garden rows. If growing Brussels sprouts in raised beds or containers using the square foot gardening method, give each plant approximately 1' of space for best results.

• How to Fertilize Brussels Sprouts

It's always a good idea to apply some pre-plant fertilizer to the soil prior to planting Brussels sprout transplants. We like to sprinkle Coop Gro organic fertilizer on our raised beds or along our rows prior to planting. This ensures the plants have the right nutrients to put down roots in their new soil.

Much like cabbage, Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders that perform best when they have plenty of nitrogen. Once your Brussels sprout plants reach 8-12" tall, side-dress them with a high nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks for best results. You'll want the leaves to be dark green for optimal sprout production.

*To learn more about how to fertilize certain cool season vegetables, watch this video.

• When to Harvest Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts can be harvested as they develop along the stalk. Some gardeners will choose to wait and harvest the entire stalk of sprouts at once, while others will pluck the sprouts they want as they reach an acceptable size.

Harvest Brussels sprouts when they become slightly larger than a quarter in diameter. If you let them get too large, they won't be as tender. If you're experiencing extreme pest or disease pressure, you may consider harvesting the sprouts at a smaller size to prevent them from being damaged.