500 Long Island Brussel Sprout Seeds | Vegetable Seeds 
 
 
Long Island is the most common and widely adapted open pollinated Brussel Sprout variety for the home vegetable garden! Compact plants grow up to 24 inches tall and produce massive amounts of tight, tender heads that average 1 1/2" in diameter. Relative maturity is 100 days from sowing.
 
 
Historians believe that the ancient Romans first cultivated Brussels sprouts, but Belgium has the greatest claim on this tiny vegetable. As the name indicates, Brussels sprouts grew in great abundance around the city of Brussels. Since the 1900s, growers in California has produced most of the United States' supply of this vegetable; Long Island Improved in particular is a favorite variety of commercial growers.
 
 
Sowing: Since frost brings out the best flavor in brussels sprouts, plant them late in May or early in June for a fall crop. Start Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts seeds by planting them 1/2" deep in soil; when they grow to 6" tall, transplant or thin them 2' apart. Compress the soil around the seed and keep the ground moist.
 
 
Growing: Mulch to preserve the moisture in the soil. Remove weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the plants. If heavy winds threaten the plant, provide a stake for support. As the leaves on the stem turn yellow, take them off so that the sprouts can freely develop. If aphids appear, eliminate them with a strong stream of water from a hose.
 
 
Harvesting: About four months after transplanting, the first sprouts should be ready. Twist them off the stem from the bottom up; sprouts about 1" in diameter are the most tender. To continue harvesting sprouts after frost, hang the entire plant upside down in a cool place; sprouts will continue to mature for a few more weeks. Long Island Improved sprouts freeze quite well.