How to Successfully Grow Long Island Brussels Sprouts in Florida

Publish Date: Friday, November 30, 2025  |  Time: 9:33 AM ET

Category: Basics / Education / Gardening

Florida isn’t always the first place people think of when growing cool-weather vegetables, but with the right timing and approach, you can grow Long Island Improved Brussels sprouts right here in Ocala. This heirloom variety has a long history with gardeners and is especially well-loved for its reliability and flavor. And while Florida’s heat makes timing critical, it’s absolutely possible to harvest crisp, tight sprouts through the winter months.

Below, we’ll walk through how to grow Brussels sprouts successfully in Central Florida’s climate, from seed starting to harvest, along with a brief side note on Kalettes and cross-pollination for those curious about next year’s plans at Wilshire’s Organics.

Why Timing and Variety Matter in Florida

Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop and simply won’t thrive if they mature during Florida’s heat. University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends planting Brussels sprouts in the fall so they can develop their buds during winter’s cooler temperatures. That’s why the ideal window to start seeds is August through September.

The Long Island Improved variety is well-suited for home gardens. It’s an old, open-pollinated heirloom that can handle the long growing season required to form sturdy sprouts in our region.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide for Central Florida

1. When to Plant (The Most Important Factor)

Start seeds indoors in August or early September. This protects young seedlings from late-summer heat. Once nighttime temperatures begin dropping and early fall breezes arrive, you can transplant seedlings outdoors. This lines up with Florida’s recommended cool-season planting schedule for brassicas.

2. Start Indoors for Stronger Seedlings

Because August heat can be unforgiving, starting indoors gives your plants a strong, healthy beginning. Use a high-quality seed-starting mix and allow 4–6 weeks before transplanting.

3. Choose a Sunny Spot with Proper Spacing

• Plant in full sun - Brussels sprouts need at least 6 hours of sunlight.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart to give their stalks room to develop.
• Allow 30-40 inches between rows for airflow and maintenance.

4. Soil: Rich, Loose, and Well-Draining

Brussels sprouts love fertile soil. Mix in compost, aged manure, or organic matter to enrich the bed. Aim for a pH of 6.5–6.8, which UF IFAS recommends for brassicas. Soil should drain well but still hold moisture.

5. Watering and Fertility

• Maintain consistent moisture - about 1 to 1.5 inches per week.
• Mulch to help keep soil cool and prevent evaporation.
• Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4-6 weeks early on to support leafy growth.

As your plants reach maturity, gradually reduce nitrogen so the plant can focus on forming tight, compact sprouts rather than producing excess leaves.

6. Cool Weather Makes Better Sprouts

Brussels sprouts need chilly weather to produce tight buds. UF IFAS recommends harvesting during cool months, as high temperatures result in loose, bitter sprouts. If temperatures stay mild, Central Florida still produces great sprouts - and a light frost can actually sweeten the flavor.

7. Harvesting

Sprouts mature from the bottom of the stalk upward. Harvest when they reach 1-2 inches in diameter and feel firm. You can:

• Harvest individual sprouts from bottom to top, or
• Cut the entire stalk at once for easier kitchen prep.

Removing yellow lower leaves helps the plant direct energy into developing new sprouts further up the stalk.

Common Challenges in Florida

• Planting too late - sprouts get hit with warm fall weather and won’t form properly.
• Low soil fertility - leads to leafy plants with no sprouts.
• Inconsistent watering - can cause bitterness or loose formation.
• Too much shade - limits bud development.

The key is timing and steady care. A little planning goes a long way.

Quick Schedule for Ocala / Central Florida

A Quick Side Note: Kalettes & Cross-Pollination

Next year at Wilshire’s Organics, we plan to start preparing a small crop of Kalettes - a hybrid between kale and Brussels sprouts. Kalettes grow like sprouts, but the buds open up into loose, frilly rosettes with a mild, nutty flavor.

Because Brussels sprouts, kale, and Kalettes all belong to the same species group (Brassica oleracea), they can cross-pollinate if allowed to flower at the same time. This doesn’t affect your edible crop, but it does affect the next generation of seeds. For gardeners who save seed, it’s something to keep in mind.

For now, our attention remains on this year’s healthy Brussels sprout crop - but we’re excited about the Kalette project and will share more as it develops.

Final Thoughts from Wilshire’s Organics

Growing Brussels sprouts in Florida takes timing, preparation, and patience - but it’s absolutely possible. When you match the rhythm of the seasons and work with the land, rather than against it, you can grow food worth celebrating.

At Wilshire’s Organics, we believe every harvest tells a story of stewardship, trust, and good honest work. If you give Brussels sprouts a try this year, let us know how your garden grows - we’d love to cheer you on.

References & Further Reading

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions - Brussels Sprouts for Florida gardens.
• UF/IFAS Florida Seasonal Planting Guide - Cool-season brassica planting.
• Almanac - Soil, spacing, and harvest information for Brussels sprouts.
• SmartGardener - Variety insights and temperature guidelines.
• Bonnie Plants - Fertility and watering considerations for Brussels sprouts.