Top 20 Varieties of Brussels Sprouts to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Brussels sprouts are a cool-weather vegetable that thrive in fall and winter, producing small, cabbage-like sprouts along a tall stalk. They are a nutritious addition to any garden, packed with vitamins C and K, and their rich, slightly nutty flavor makes them a favorite for roasting, steaming, or sautéing. Growing Brussels sprouts can be a rewarding process, as the cold weather improves their sweetness. Here’s a guide to the top 20 varieties of Brussels sprouts to grow, along with tips, interesting facts, and answers to common questions about growing this delicious vegetable.

Top 20 Brussels Sprouts Varieties to Grow

1. Jade Cross

Tips: Jade Cross grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the plants healthy.
Facts: This hybrid variety is compact and early-maturing, producing uniform sprouts with a sweet, mild flavor.

2. Long Island Improved

Tips: Long Island Improved prefers cool weather and full sun. Plant in late summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces medium-sized sprouts with a rich, earthy flavor. It’s perfect for roasting or sautéing.

3. Bubbles

Tips: Bubbles grows well in full sun and rich soil. Mulch to retain moisture and water regularly for the best yield.
Facts: Known for its disease resistance, Bubbles produces large, firm sprouts that are sweet and tender after a frost.

4. Diablo

Tips: Diablo thrives in cool weather and full sun. Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This variety produces small, tight sprouts with an excellent flavor that improves after frost. It’s perfect for late-season harvesting.

5. Redarling

Tips: Redarling grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to keep the soil cool.
Facts: This striking variety produces deep purple-red sprouts with a mild, sweet flavor. It adds color and flavor to any dish.

6. Churchill

Tips: Churchill prefers cool weather and full sun. Water regularly to ensure the sprouts develop firm, tender heads.
Facts: This early-maturing hybrid produces large, uniform sprouts that are sweet and tender, making it ideal for a fall harvest.

7. Gustus

Tips: Gustus grows well in full sun and fertile soil. Provide plenty of water, especially during dry periods.
Facts: This variety produces firm, dense sprouts with a nutty flavor that intensifies after frost. It’s known for its high yields and disease resistance.

8. Oliver

Tips: Oliver thrives in cool weather and full sun. Plant in late summer and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces uniform, medium-sized sprouts with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for roasting or steaming.

9. Hestia

Tips: Hestia grows best in cool weather with regular watering. Mulch around the plants to keep the roots cool.
Facts: Known for its uniform, tightly packed sprouts, Hestia has a mild flavor and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

10. Catskill

Tips: Catskill grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to prevent the plants from becoming tough.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces large, firm sprouts with a rich, earthy flavor. It’s great for roasting or adding to casseroles.

11. Dagan

Tips: Dagan thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage healthy growth and firm sprouts.
Facts: This high-yielding variety produces large, uniform sprouts with excellent flavor. It’s perfect for a late fall or early winter harvest.

12. Martel

Tips: Martel prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This variety produces small to medium-sized sprouts that are firm and tender, with a mild, nutty flavor.

13. Rubine

Tips: Rubine grows well in full sun and cool weather. Mulch around the plants to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces beautiful purple-red sprouts with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. It’s a great choice for adding color to your plate.

14. Trafalgar

Tips: Trafalgar thrives in full sun and fertile soil. Water consistently to prevent the sprouts from becoming bitter.
Facts: This variety produces tight, uniform sprouts with a sweet, rich flavor. It’s ideal for fall and winter harvests.

15. Brigitte

Tips: Brigitte grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to keep the roots cool.
Facts: Known for its high yield and uniform sprouts, Brigitte has a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

16. Vancouver

Tips: Vancouver prefers cool weather and full sun. Mulch to retain moisture and water regularly for the best results.
Facts: This variety produces medium-sized, tender sprouts with a mild flavor. It’s great for steaming, roasting, or adding to soups.

17. Falstaff

Tips: Falstaff thrives in full sun and rich soil. Water regularly to keep the plants healthy and prevent the sprouts from becoming tough.
Facts: This variety produces stunning purple-red sprouts with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for adding color to your dishes.

18. Crispus

Tips: Crispus grows well in full sun and cool weather. Water consistently and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This disease-resistant variety produces firm, medium-sized sprouts with excellent flavor, making it ideal for fall and winter harvesting.

19. Montgomery

Tips: Montgomery grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to encourage healthy, tender sprouts.
Facts: This variety produces medium-sized, firm sprouts with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, roasting, or adding to casseroles.

20. Franklin

Tips: Franklin thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to keep the soil cool.
Facts: Known for its uniform, tight sprouts, Franklin has a rich, sweet flavor that’s perfect for roasting or steaming.

Common Questions About Growing Brussels Sprouts

Q: When should I plant Brussels sprouts?
A: Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop, and they should be planted in late spring or early summer for a fall or winter harvest. They require a long growing season (80-100 days), and the flavor improves after exposure to light frost.

Q: Can I grow Brussels sprouts in containers?
A: Yes, Brussels sprouts can be grown in containers, but they require a large pot that is at least 12-18 inches deep and wide. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix and place the container in full sun.

Q: How long do Brussels sprouts take to grow?
A: Brussels sprouts typically take 80-100 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Early-maturing varieties may be ready in as little as 70 days, while others may take up to 120 days.

Q: How do I know when Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest?
A: Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest when the sprouts are firm, compact, and about 1-2 inches in diameter. Start harvesting from the bottom of the plant, working your way up as the sprouts mature.

Q: How do I store harvested Brussels sprouts?
A: Fresh Brussels sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze them, which will keep them fresh for several months.