FULL SUN – BRUSSEL SPROUTS, Long Island Improved – Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera, first domesticated in the 1300s near Brussels, Belgium from a kale-like form of wild cabbage, the Brussels Sprout began to grow slowly in popularity in the US in the early 1800s. Long Island Improved was introduced in the 1890s. It is a semi-dwarf plant reaching a height of 24 in. and producing 1-2 in. very flavorful sprouts. Brussel Sprouts can be sown in the early spring as soon as the ground can be worked or started indoors. Mild frosts do not impact Brussel Sprouts. If direct seeding, soil should be deeply spaded before planting. Rows should be 30 in. apart. When seedlings are 2 in. high, thin, leaving 18 in. between plants. Adding lime to the soil before planting will sweeten Brussel Sprouts. Leaves should be continuously removed from the lower parts of the plants to enhance sprout development. In the fall, exposure to mild frosts tends to sweeten the sprouts. Type Spacing Planting Depth Days to Germination Maturity Brussel sprouts 18 in. 1 in. 10-14 115
