Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera Group) 'Long Island'
Brussels sprout 'Long Island'
A hardy, annual heirloom variety of brussels sprout preferring long, cool summers. The sprouts have a sweet flavour when harvested after frost and each stem will produce about 50-100 sprouts. This variety is suitable for growing in a pot or container
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Genus
Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers a moist but well drained, alkaline to neutral soil. Water regularly in dry periods and add in plenty of organic matter prior to planting. See brussels-sprout cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to cabbage caterpillars, cabbage whitefly, aphids, flea beetles and slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to black rot, downy mildews, foot and root rot, grey moulds, leaf spot and white blister
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