Brussel Sprouts 'Long Island Improved '
Brassica Oleracea
 
Long Island Improved 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.
 
Details: 
Plant life cycle: Annual
Site: Full sun
Days to maturity: 90-100 days
Seed depth:1/2" deep
Plant spacing : 24"
Heads: 1 1/2" diameter
Approx seeds per packet: 100
 
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.