Brussels Sprout Seeds, Long Island Improved
A single Long Island Improved Brussels Sprout on a light blue background.
A close-up of cut and whole Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts on a light blue background.
A yellow ceramic basket full of Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts with a green handled knife.
A platter of Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts on a bed of leaves.
Roasted Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts on a plate with a bowl of fresh Brussels Sprouts in the background.
A couple of Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts stalks against a light wall.
A blue bowl of Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts on a light blue background.
Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts growing in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.
Brussels Sprout Seeds, Long Island Improved
A single Long Island Improved Brussels Sprout on a light blue background.
A close-up of cut and whole Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts on a light blue background.
A yellow ceramic basket full of Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts with a green handled knife.
A platter of Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts on a bed of leaves.
Roasted Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts on a plate with a bowl of fresh Brussels Sprouts in the background.
A couple of Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts stalks against a light wall.
A blue bowl of Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts on a light blue background.
Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts growing in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.

Brussels Sprouts Seeds,
Long Island Improved

3.29 ReviewsSKU: #BS101Min. seed count: 150
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Description

(Brassica oleracea). French settlers to the U.S. brought Brussels sprouts with them to Louisiana around the turn of the 19th century, and commercial production spread from the Delta to California and New York state. Long Island Improved is one of the best known and most well-loved heirloom sprout varieties. Since the 1890s, it’s been a standard, with its compact stature and high yields of delicious, tender sprouts, as well as its ability to power through the cold. In fact, exposure to light frost intensifies the flavor and sweetness!

Growing Tips: Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts are a robust heirloom variety, well-suited for cooler climates. Sow seeds or set transplants into rich soil in full sun with abundant moisture. Regular feeding, mulching, and maintaining an even watering schedule will promote healthy sprout formation.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica oleracea
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
¼–½ in.
Plant Spacing
24 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Set hardened-off transplants out 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost, when seedlings are 4-6 weeks old; they tolerate light frost. Alternatively, direct sowing can be done in early spring. For the best sprouts, sow in late spring to early summer for a fall harvest, as the cooler temperatures and frost enhance the sweetness of the sprouts. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix, keeping the soil temperature between 50-75 F. Germination takes about 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, transplant them into the garden, spacing them about 24 inches apart with rows 24-36 inches apart.

How to Grow

Plant Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5-7.5. Water consistently, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to encourage strong growth. To maximize yield, remove the lower leaves as the plant matures. Harvest sprouts when they reach 1-2 inches in diameter, starting from the bottom of the stalk.

How to Save Seeds

Brussels sprouts are biennials, meaning they will flower and produce seeds in their second year. To save seeds, allow some plants to overwinter in the garden. In the following spring, they will produce flowers and seed pods. Once the pods dry on the plant, harvest them, thresh the seeds, and store them in a cool, dry place.

FAQ

How long does it take for Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts to mature?

They typically take around 100 days from transplanting to maturity.

Are Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts frost-tolerant?

Yes, these plants are quite frost-tolerant, and frost can even improve the flavor of the sprouts.

Should I top the plant to encourage sprout production?

Yes, topping the plant (removing the growing tip) about a month before harvesting can encourage larger, more uniform sprouts.

Browse our full range of Brussels sprout seeds.

Customer reviews

3.2 / 5 9 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Strong germination: Nearly every seed comes up and makes a big, vigorous plant.

  • Big, hardy plants: Three-foot plants with huge leaves that take cold and most climates.

  • Heads up: Big plants often set few or no sprouts; give them a long season.

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