Brussel Sprouts
Seed # 171
Basic Information
- Seed Number
- 171
- Seed Name
- Brussel Sprouts
- Variety
- Long Island
- Category
- Vegetable
- Plant Family
- Brassicaceae
- Plant Type
- Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)
- Planting Method
- Transplant
- Seed Status
- In Seed Bank
- Created
- 2026-08-14 00:50:34
- Updated
- 2026-08-19 15:35:29
Planting Information
- Start Planting Date
- May 15
- Last Recommended Planting Date
- Jul 15
- Plantable Months
- May, June, July
- Indoor Start
- May 15 – Jun 15
- Direct Sow
- Jun 1 – Jun 30
- Transplant
- Jun 15 – Jul 15
- Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost
- Not recorded
- Transplant Weeks After Frost
- Not recorded
- Germination Days
- 3–10 days
- Harvest/Maturity
- 85–110 days approximately 85-110 days depending on seed source and growing conditions
- Succession Planting
- Not recorded
Growing Conditions
- Ideal Soil Temperature
- 65-85°F
- Planting Depth
- 1/4 in
- Plant Spacing
- 18-24 in
- Row Spacing
- 24-30 in
- Thin-To Spacing
- 18-24 in
- Sun Requirements
- Full sun
- Water Needs
- Maintain consistent moisture; approximately 1-1.5 in/week during active growth
- Soil Preference
- Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
- Minimum Container Size
- 5 gal
- Plant Height
- 20-24 in
- Perennial/Biennial Status
- Biennial
- Container Friendly
- Yes
- Trellis/Support Needed
- No
- Frost Tolerant
- Yes
- Heat Tolerant
- No
- Drought Tolerant
- No
- Pollinator Friendly
- Yes
- Medicinal
- No
Garden Uses
Container Culinary Pollinator Seed SavingCompanion Planting
| Plant | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cilantro | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Cilantro | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Dill | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Lettuce | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Onion | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Arugula | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Broccoli | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Cabbage | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Kale | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Radish | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Radish | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Radish | Avoid | Not recorded |
| Radish | Avoid | Not recorded |
Storage
- Seed Source/Brand
- Botanical Interests; Rare Seeds; MSU Extension
- Packet Year
- Not recorded
- Quantity Notes
- Not recorded
- Purchase Date
- Not recorded
- Expiration Year
- Not recorded
- Storage Box
- Not recorded
- Container
- Not recorded
- Envelope
- Not recorded
- Row
- Not recorded
- Slot
- Not recorded
- Storage Notes
- Not recorded
Notes
Original Planting Method: Start indoors; transplant for a fall crop
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Jun 25 – Jul 10
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 85–110 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 7–10+ gal
Pollinator Friendly: Low if harvested; flowers attract pollinators if overwintered
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary vegetable
Perennial?: Biennial botanically; grown as an annual vegetable
Succession / Reusable Notes: Usually one fall crop rather than repeated succession sowings.
Zone 6B Notes: Plan for maturity in cool fall weather; frost can improve flavor.
Companion Plants: Lettuce, onions, dill, cilantro, calendula
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Watch cabbage worms/loopers, aphids and clubroot; rotate brassicas. Long season means fall timing matters.
Sources: Botanical Interests: https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/long-island-improved-brussels-sprouts-seeds | Rare Seeds: https://www.rareseeds.com/brussels-sprout-long-island-improved | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Long Island Improved is best timed so sprouts mature during cool fall weather. Start plants in late spring or early summer and transplant for an autumn harvest. Frost improves sprout sweetness.
Germination: Start seedlings 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Maintain approximately 65-85°F for germination.
Harvest: Harvest firm sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upward as they reach approximately 1-1.5 inches across.
Seed Saving: Brussels sprouts are biennial and cross with other flowering Brassica oleracea crops including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and collards.
Special Care: The supplied variety 'Long Island' corresponds to the widely documented heirloom Long Island Improved. The supplied variety wording is preserved exactly.
Research Source: Victory Seed Company — https://victoryseeds.com/products/long-island-improved-brussels-sprouts — Long Island Improved identity, 110-day maturity, 20-24 inch plant height, 1.5-inch sprouts and open-pollinated status
Research Source: Pinetree Garden Seeds — https://www.superseeds.com/products/long-island-improved-85-day-heirloom — 85-day maturity listing, 3-10 day germination, 65-85°F germination temperature, 1/4-inch depth, 4-6 week indoor start and 18-24 inch spacing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]