15 of the Best Brussels Sprout Varieties to Grow at Home
Are you ready to dive into the delicious world of Brussels sprouts? As the cooler weather rolls in and you start pulling out your cozy sweaters and fuzzy slippers, it’s also the perfect time to start thinking about growing your own Brussels sprouts at home.
While you can find Brussels sprouts year-round at the grocery store, there’s truly nothing quite like the flavor of freshly harvested sprouts straight from your garden. The frost-kissed, garden-fresh sprouts are a true delight that can’t be replicated by store-bought varieties.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 15 of the best Brussels sprout varieties to consider growing in your garden. Each variety comes with its own unique set of characteristics that make it a top pick for home gardeners.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to explore the wonderful world of Brussels sprouts!
Best Brussels Sprout Varieties
- Catskill
- Churchill
- Dagan
- Diablo
- Green Gems
- Gustus
- Hestia
- Jade Cross
- Long Island Improved
- Mighty
- Nautic
- Nelson
- Octia
- Redarling
- Tasty Nuggets
Now, let’s dive into each variety and uncover what makes them stand out in the world of Brussels sprouts.
1. Catskill
If you’re looking for an heirloom variety with extra-large heads, ‘Catskill’ is the perfect choice for you. Developed in 1941, this variety features two-inch heads on a compact 24-inch stalk. The robust stem and well-spaced sprouts make ‘Catskill’ a favorite among home gardeners. It takes 90 to 110 days to mature, and you can find seeds at Eden Brothers.
2. Churchill
‘Churchill’ is a fast-growing hybrid variety that produces high yields of heads that develop early. With heads maturing in just 90 days, this variety is perfect for ensuring a successful harvest. Watch out for lateral branching and find ‘Churchill’ seeds on Amazon.
3. Dagan
For tall and straight growth, ‘Dagan’ is the ideal choice. This hybrid variety features bright green and firm buds that hold up well after harvest. ‘Dagan’ takes 100 days to mature and offers good disease resistance. Seeds are available at High Mowing Organic Seeds.
4. Diablo
Get ready to meet ‘Diablo,’ a beautiful hybrid variety with smooth, solid heads that turn nutty and sweet after a frost. Slow to mature in 110 days, ‘Diablo’ is best suited for fall planting in warmer zones. Consider starting seeds early indoors and find them at Hazzard’s Seeds via Amazon.
5. Green Gems
As the name suggests, ‘Green Gems’ are a stunning variety with emerald-like buds that glow in the sunlight. These little gems feature a buttery, earthy flavor and reach maturity in just 85 days. With plants growing up to 36 inches tall, staking may be necessary in windy areas. Find seeds at Burpee.
6. Gustus
New on the scene, ‘Gustus’ is a hybrid cultivar with even-spaced, dark green buds on a 24-inch stalk. This variety takes 100 days to mature and offers a long shelf life after harvest. Give ‘Gustus’ a chance and find seeds on Amazon.
7. Hestia
Winning the prestigious All-America Selections award in 2015, ‘Hestia’ is an early-maturing variety that holds well in the garden. With bright green buds and buttery flavor, ‘Hestia’ is a top choice for home gardeners. Matures in 95 days.
8. Jade Cross
Featuring tiny, deep green sprouts, ‘Jade Cross’ is perfect for freezing. This versatile variety grows with a compact habit, matures in 85 days, and was the first to win the All-America Selections award in 1959.
9. Long Island Improved
Highly tolerant of frost, ‘Long Island Improved’ offers medium-sized heads with a nutty, earthy flavor. Maturity in 100 days makes this variety a popular choice among home gardeners. Find seeds at True Leaf Market.
10. Mighty
For picture-perfect sprouts with resistance to mildew, leaf spot, and Alternaria, ‘Mighty’ is the way to go. These one-inch gems have a robust, nutty flavor and are ready to harvest in 100 days. Seeds are available at Burpee.
11. Nautic
Looking for high yields? ‘Nautic’ is the answer! With consistently high yields per plant, this hybrid variety is disease-resistant and provides sweet, tender sprouts after 120 days. Find seeds at High Mowing Organic Seeds.
12. Nelson
With dark green buds and a sweet, nutty flavor, ‘Nelson’ is perfect for early harvests. This hybrid variety matures in 90 days and resists lodging, making it a reliable choice for home gardeners.
13. Octia
One of the earliest-maturing varieties, ‘Octia’ produces small, uniform heads in just 78 days. Topping the plant increases yields, and the well-spaced buds make harvesting a breeze. This hybrid variety is perfect for cool weather.
14. Redarling
For a colorful addition to your garden, consider ‘Redarling’ with its purple-red heads. Ready to pick in 140 to 145 days, this variety holds its color when cooked and offers a unique flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
15. Tasty Nuggets
Treat yourself to ‘Tasty Nuggets,’ a hybrid variety known for its sweet, one-inch buttons. With a large harvest in just 78 days, you can enjoy these flavorful sprouts in no time. Perfect for warmer zones without fear of bolting.
Explore the Unique World of Brussels Sprout Varieties
Brussels sprouts may have a bad rap among kids, but with the right preparation and presentation, these nutritious veggies can be a delightful addition to your dinner table. From growing straight in your garden to the delicious flavors they offer, Brussels sprout varieties are as interesting as they are tasty.
Consider planting multiple varieties in your garden to enjoy a continuous supply of sprouts with varying sizes, maturation dates, and culinary uses. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorites and share your experiences in the comments below!
For more tips and information on growing Brussels sprouts, check out these detailed guides:
– Tips for Growing Brussels Sprouts in Winter
– Common Brussels Sprout Pests: What’s Eating My Plants?
– Pruning Brussels Sprouts: Tips for Success
Unleash your inner gardener and create a Brussels sprout paradise right in your backyard!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to help you find relevant products. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.
