Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts

Grow nutty, sweet Brussels sprouts with exceptional flavor using Long Island Improved – a classic heirloom variety that produces abundant, 1-2 inch sprouts along tall, sturdy stalks. These cold-hardy plants deliver superior flavor that sweetens after frost, making them perfect for roasting, sautéing, and fall/winter harvests.

Growing Information

• Days to maturity: 90-100 days from transplant
• Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting, or direct sow in mid-summer for fall harvest; transplant when soil temperature reaches 60°F
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart
• Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Zones: 3-9 (cool-season crop, very cold-hardy)

Harvest & Use

Begin harvesting from the bottom of the stalk when sprouts reach 1-2 inches in diameter and feel firm. Remove lower leaves as you harvest upward. Flavor improves dramatically after frost, becoming sweeter and less bitter. Perfect for roasting with olive oil, sautéing with bacon, steaming, adding to gratins, or shredding raw into slaws. Plants can produce for months with regular harvesting. Store fresh sprouts in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or blanch and freeze for long-term storage.

Care Tips

Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts thrive in cool weather and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently – about 1-2 inches per week. Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Side-dress with compost or nitrogen fertilizer when plants are 12 inches tall. Plants grow 24-36 inches tall and may benefit from staking in windy areas. Extremely cold-hardy, surviving temperatures down to 20°F and improving in flavor after frost. Companion plant with onions, herbs, or beets for natural pest management.

Why Choose Long Island Improved

This time-tested variety offers exceptional cold-hardiness, reliable productivity, and superior flavor that's made it a standard for over 100 years. The compact sprouts and extended harvest make these perfect for fall and winter gardens. Whether you're roasting for holiday meals or preserving for winter eating, Long Island Improved delivers consistent quality and delicious flavor that transforms Brussels sprouts from tolerated to treasured.