Brussel sprouts are a rewarding cool-season vegetable. Many varieties exist, each with unique characteristics influencing cultivation and culinary outcomes. Understanding these differences helps gardeners select varieties best suited to their growing conditions and preferences.
Factors for Choosing Brussel Sprout Varieties
Several factors influence brussel sprout variety selection for a successful harvest. Maturity time, the days from transplanting to harvest, is a primary concern, determining if a variety fits a region’s growing season. Varieties are categorized as early, mid-season, or late, allowing staggered harvests or selection for shorter seasons.
Expected yield, the quantity of sprouts per plant, varies significantly, impacting garden productivity. Disease resistance is important, as some varieties withstand common brassica ailments like Fusarium wilt or powdery mildew, reducing intervention needs. Cold hardiness, a variety’s ability to tolerate lower temperatures, is relevant for cooler climates or late-season harvests. Flavor profiles also differ, ranging from milder and sweeter to more robust and nutty, influencing their appeal for consumption or culinary uses.
Popular Brussel Sprout Varieties
Many brussel sprout varieties offer distinct advantages.
‘Long Island Improved’ is a classic heirloom known for compact growth and reliable production. It yields 1 to 1.5-inch sprouts with a rich flavor that sweetens after frost. Plants grow 20-24 inches tall and mature in 85-110 days.
‘Jade Cross’ is a popular hybrid, maturing early in 85-100 days with uniform, medium-sized sprouts. Its compact plants, 24-30 inches tall, produce deep green, tightly packed sprouts with a sweet, nutty flavor. This variety withstands cooler temperatures, which enhances its flavor.
A reliable hybrid for high yields and disease resistance, ‘Diablo’ produces abundant 1.5-inch sprouts on compact, upright plants (26-30 inches tall). It matures in about 110 days, known for sweet, tender sprouts and cold tolerance.
With vibrant purple-red sprouts and foliage, ‘Red Rubine’ offers unique visual appeal, growing up to 2 feet tall. This heirloom matures in about 95 days, yielding abundant 1 to 1.5-inch sprouts with a nutty, subtly sweet flavor. Its purple color intensifies in cool weather and is less attractive to some pests.
A modern hybrid, ‘Hestia’ is praised for excellent flavor and uniformity. Plants grow to about 30 inches tall, producing bright green, 1-inch sprouts. It tolerates both warm and cool temperatures, with flavor improving after temperatures drop.
Another early-maturing hybrid, ‘Franklin’ is ready for harvest in 80-100 days. It produces large, firm, medium-green sprouts (1 to 1.5 inches), known for excellent flavor and uniformity. Plants are vigorous and boast good disease resistance.
Tips for Selecting Your Ideal Variety
When choosing a brussel sprout variety, assess your local climate and growing season length. For shorter periods, prioritize early-maturing varieties for a successful harvest before cold weather. In regions with longer, cooler falls, mid or late-season varieties can provide an extended harvest.
Consider your gardening space. Compact varieties suit smaller gardens or containers, while taller types may require more room or staking.
Consider taste preferences; some varieties offer a milder flavor, preferred by those new to brussel sprouts, while others deliver a more intense, traditional taste. Finally, evaluate garden challenges like pests or diseases. Selecting resistant varieties can significantly reduce intervention needs and lead to healthier plants.