Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts is the classic American heirloom variety that has been filling gardens and dinner tables for well over a century. Introduced in the late 1800s, this dependable variety produces sturdy, compact plants loaded with dozens of firm, flavorful sprouts from the base of the stalk to the top. Famous for its excellent cold tolerance, heavy yields, and rich, nutty flavor, Long Island Improved remains the gold standard for home gardeners seeking traditional Brussels sprouts with outstanding quality and dependable performance.
Long Island Improved develops a rich, slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a firm, tender texture. Cool temperatures naturally convert starches into sugars, giving fall-harvested sprouts an exceptionally mild taste with very little bitterness. Roasting further caramelizes the natural sugars, creating one of the finest flavors of any cool-season vegetable.
Start seeds indoors 5 to 7 weeks before transplanting or sow directly for fall harvests. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in fertile soil enriched with compost. Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season and fertilize regularly to encourage vigorous stalk development. Brussels sprouts perform best in cool weather and develop their finest flavor after several light frosts.
Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upward as they become firm and reach approximately 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Picking lower sprouts first allows the upper sprouts to continue maturing. Entire stalks may also be harvested after frost for convenient storage. Fresh sprouts keep well under refrigeration for several weeks and freeze exceptionally well after blanching.
| Botanical Name | Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera |
| Plant Type | Cool-season annual |
| Plant Height | 24–36 Inches |
| Sprout Size | 1–2 Inches |
| Days to Harvest | 90–100 days |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Harvest Season | Fall through Early Winter |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Catskill Brussels Sprouts is a classic American heirloom renowned for producing exceptionally large, firm sprouts with rich flavor and outstanding cold hardiness. Developed from traditional European strains and introduced in the early twentieth century, Catskill quickly became popular for its sturdy plants, heavy yields, and jumbo-sized sprouts that are significantly larger than those of many standard varieties. Its vigorous growth and excellent fall performance make it a favorite for gardeners who want generous harvests of sweet, tender Brussels sprouts well into the cool autumn months.
Catskill Brussels Sprouts offer a rich, slightly sweet flavor with pleasant nutty undertones and a firm, tender texture. Their larger size makes them ideal for roasting, while cool weather further enhances their natural sweetness. Properly harvested sprouts remain crisp and flavorful without becoming woody.
Start seeds indoors 5 to 7 weeks before transplanting or sow directly outdoors for fall harvests. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in fertile, compost-rich soil. Keep plants evenly watered throughout the growing season and fertilize regularly for vigorous stalk development. Cool autumn temperatures produce the finest quality sprouts, and harvesting after one or two light frosts greatly improves flavor.
Harvest sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upward as they become firm and fully developed. Picking the lower sprouts first encourages continued development higher on the stalk. Entire stalks may also be harvested after frost for convenient storage. Fresh sprouts store well under refrigeration for several weeks and freeze exceptionally well after blanching.
| Botanical Name | Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera |
| Plant Type | Cool-season annual |
| Plant Height | 30–40 Inches |
| Sprout Size | 1½–2 Inches |
| Days to Harvest | 90–100 days |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Harvest Season | Fall through Early Winter |
| Difficulty | Moderate |