Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts (Heirloom, 85 Days)

Heirloom 1890’s. A semi-dwarf plant, no more than 2’ tall with good yields of 1-2” sprouts. Can set 50-100 sprouts on a plant. Until the recent development of hybrids, the Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts were the chief commercial variety.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

Germination: 3-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” deep

Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant a week or two before last frost. Space 18-24" apart. 

Sowing Outdoors: Around last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 60-65ºF. Sow 2-3 seeds every 18-24” apart. Thin to the strongest seedling per space. 

How much does a packet plant: 20-25 foot single row

Harvest: Start picking from bottom up, when they are firm and 1” across, cutting off the leaf below the sprout. To harvest all the sprouts at once cut off the top of the stalk 4-6 weeks before you want to harvest or when lower sprouts reach 1/2” in size.The best and sweetest Brussels sprouts are harvested after going through a few frosts.

Tips: Provide Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts with fertile soil, rich in organic matter from the very beginning of its growth in the garden. Amend with compost if soil is not fertile. Give adequate, even moisture for the best growth. Mulching helps retain moisture.