Long Island Brussels Sprout seeds
Long Island Brussels Sprouts are a dwarf variety that are a cool weather crop that loves the crisp nights of fall and winter. This variety is exceptionally frost tolerant and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0º (F). Long Island Brussels Sprouts produce thick sturdy stalks that yield heavy amounts of dark green sprouts. The flavor is best described as bitter, strong, and similar to that of cabbage. These can be started indoors and put out in containers during the winter for a spring harvest, or started indoors and put outside or transplanted outside for a winter harvest. These are great halved, mixed with garlic and butter (bacon fat for those who prefer), and put under the broiler. Exquisite!
Seed count: 200
Botanic name:
Brassica oleracea
Plant spacing:
18" - 24" apart
Color:
Dark green foliage and deep purple / deep red sprouts
Sowing depth:
1/4"
Sun requirements:
Full sun / partial sun
Utilization:
Halved and roasted with bacon and garlic in the oven, cooked in soups, steamed, or backed into casseroles.
Frost Hardy:
Yes
Maturity days:
95-100 days
Life cycle:
Biennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Dwarf Brussels sprouts
Growing Instructions:
**Growing Brussels Sprouts: A Step-by-Step Guide**
Brussels sprouts are a rewarding vegetable to grow, offering a delicious harvest in the cooler months. Here's a guide on how to cultivate them successfully, both indoors and outdoors:
**Starting Brussels Sprouts Indoors**
1. **Timing:** Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. This typically falls in late spring.
2. **Seeding:** Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays filled with a quality seed-starting mix.
3. **Germination:** Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (around 70°F). Seeds usually germinate within 7-10 days.
4. **Transplanting:** Once seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots filled with potting soil.
5. **Hardening Off:** Before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions. This process, known as hardening off, typically takes 7-10 days. Place the pots outside for increasing periods each day, starting with a few hours and gradually extending the time.
**Direct Sowing Brussels Sprouts**
1. **Timing:** Direct sow seeds outdoors 2-3 weeks after the last frost.
2. **Site Selection:** Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.
3. **Planting:** Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows. Thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart once they have several true leaves.
**Transplanting Brussels Sprouts**
1. **Timing:** Transplant seedlings outdoors when the soil has warmed and the threat of frost has passed.
2. **Planting Depth:** Plant seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their pots.
3. **Spacing:** Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart.
4. **Watering:** Water deeply after planting and continue to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
**Caring for Brussels Sprouts**
1. **Watering:** Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
2. **Fertilizing:** Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
3. **Mulching:** Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
4. **Pest and Disease Control:** Monitor for pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Use organic insecticides or row covers to protect your plants.
5. **Frost Protection:** In colder climates, consider covering your plants with row covers or frost cloth to protect them from late-season frosts.
**Harvesting Brussels Sprouts**
1. **Timing:** Harvest sprouts when they are 1-2 inches in diameter.
2. **Harvesting:** Cut individual sprouts from the stem, leaving the lower sprouts to continue developing.
3. **Storage:** Store harvested sprouts in the refrigerator for up to a week.
