Brassicas
100-120days to harvest
5-10days to germinate
Z6–9USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before first fall frost, or direct sow in late spring for fall harvest. Transplant when 4-6 inches tall.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with high organic matter content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
18-24 inches
Height
10-24 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep green
Size
1-2 inches diameter
Shape
Compact, round mini-cabbages clustered along stem
Flavour
Sweet and nutty when harvested after frost, mild cabbage flavor

In the kitchen

Roasting, steaming, sautéing, grilling, shredding raw for salads, braising with bacon

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles, cabbage loopers
Diseases
Clubroot, black rot, downy mildew, powdery mildew
Resistance
Good tolerance to clubroot and black rot

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1April – MayJune – JulyJune – JulySeptember
2April – MayJune – JulyMay – JulySeptember
3March – AprilMay – JuneMay – JuneAugust – October
4March – AprilMay – JuneApril – JuneAugust – October
5February – MarchApril – MayApril – MayAugust – November
6February – MarchApril – MayApril – MayJuly – November
7February – MarchApril – MayMarch – MayJuly – November
8January – FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – AprilJune – December
9JanuaryFebruary – MarchFebruary – MarchMay – December
10JanuaryFebruary – MarchJanuary – MarchMay – December
11JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryApril – December
12JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryApril – December
13JanuaryJanuary – FebruaryJanuary – FebruaryApril – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, repels cucumber beetles
ThymeRepels cabbage worms and whiteflies, attracts beneficial insects
DillAttracts beneficial wasps that parasitize cabbage worms
OnionsRepels cabbage root flies, aphids, and other brassica pests
MarigoldsDeters nematodes and general garden pests, attracts beneficial insects
CarrotsLoosens soil around Brussels sprouts roots, doesn't compete for nutrients
CeleryNatural pest deterrent that repels cabbage worms and aphids
BeetsDifferent root depth prevents competition, may improve soil structure

Avoid

TomatoesBoth are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, tomatoes may stunt brassica growth
StrawberriesInhibits Brussels sprouts growth and development through root competition
MustardSame family (Brassicaceae) attracts identical pests and diseases, depletes soil nutrients

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
3.98
Fat (g)
0.565
Carbohydrate (g)
9.62
Fibre (g)
4.78
Vitamin C (mg)
143
Folate (µg)
86
Calcium (mg)
38.6
Iron (mg)
0.73
Magnesium (mg)
25
Phosphorus (mg)
78.5
Potassium (mg)
477
Zinc (mg)
0.366

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the brassicas growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Brussels Sprouts 'Long Island Improved'?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other brassicas with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Brussels Sprouts 'Long Island Improved' suits these too.

Browse all 79 brassicas