Catskill Brussels Sprouts Seed

CatskillBrussels Sprouts Seed

Extra-large two-inch sprouts grow on sturdy productive stalks
Mid-green buttons develop richer flavor after cool weather
Heirloom plants reach a manageable 24 inches
Enjoy fresh or freeze the abundant fall harvest

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Brassica oleracea

Days to maturity

100 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

200 Seeds

About Catskill, Brussels Sprouts Seed, Brussels Sprouts Seed

The Catskill Brussels sprout produces numerous heads with strong stalks! Delicious flavor, extra large sprouts that grow up to 2" round with medium green color. Catskill has large yields on strong stalks (24" tall) that make it easy to pick. First introduced in 1941 by Arthur White, this heirloom is great fresh eating or freezing. Brussels sprouts are best grown for fall harvest due to cold weather giving sprouts more flavor.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

3–10 days

In-row plant spacing

18-24"

Row Spacing

30-36"

Plant profile

Maturity

Fall, Winter

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

7,813

Color

Green

Seed Type

Heirloom

Growing Season

Cool-Season Crop

Growing Instructions

Before Planting

A successful Brussels Sprouts planting begins with a full-sun site with fertile, well-drained soil where brassica crops have not recently grown. Incorporate compost and use a soil test to adjust pH and nutrients, supplying lime before planting only when needed. Prepare a firm, weed-free bed and harden transplants gradually before setting them outdoors.

Planting

Start Brussels sprouts indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting, covering seed about 1/4–1/2 inch. Germinate near 70–75°F, then provide cooler temperatures and strong light. In short-season areas, sow in late spring or early summer for a fall crop. Harden seedlings and transplant 18–24 inches apart.

Watering

Brussels sprouts perform best with consistent moisture, generally 1–1½ inches weekly. Irrigate deeply during dry periods and direct water toward the root zone to keep foliage drier.

Fertilizer

Brussels sprouts are moderately heavy feeders. Apply balanced fertilizer according to soil tests, with a light nitrogen side-dressing as leaves and sprouts begin enlarging.

Harvesting

Harvest Brussels sprouts when buds are firm, compact, and reach the expected size. Pick from the bottom of the stalk upward as they mature, snapping or cutting individual sprouts while leaving upper buds to develop.

Tips

Protect young brussels sprouts with row cover before pests arrive. Maintain cool conditions with mulch, rotate crops regularly, and avoid letting old plants or weeds host brassica insects between seasons.

Pests & Diseases

Brussels sprouts share black rot, clubroot, Alternaria leaf spot, and downy mildew with other brassicas. Because sprouts mature slowly, remove diseased lower leaves before infection climbs the stalk. Use clean transplants, rotate crop families, and avoid cultivating or harvesting while foliage is wet enough to spread bacteria.

Monitor brussels sprouts for caterpillars, flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots. Use row cover before pests arrive, remove eggs and larvae by hand, and clear brassica residue after harvest.