Jade Cross Brussels Sprout Seeds

Brassica oleracea 'Jade Cross' Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea 'Jade Cross' Brussels Sprouts is a classic, All-America Selections (AAS) winning hybrid renowned for its early maturity, heavy yields, and compact growth habit. Growing to about 24 to 30 inches tall, this variety is an excellent choice for home gardeners, offering vigorous, sturdy stalks that withstand wind better than taller varieties. 'Jade Cross' produces an abundance of uniform, firm, dark green sprouts that are tightly packed along the stem, delivering a reliable harvest in a shorter season (approx. 85 days) compared to traditional varieties.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The firm, medium-sized sprouts possess a rich, nutty, and buttery flavor that becomes even sweeter after a light frost.
• Holds its texture exceptionally well during cooking, making it perfect for roasting, steaming, or sautéing with bacon and balsamic glaze.

• Excellent for freezing; the sprouts remain firm and flavorful after blanching, ensuring a supply of nutritious greens throughout the winter.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Large, waxy, blue-green leaves that shade the developing sprouts; the sprouts themselves are deep green, smooth, and tightly formed.
• Growth Habit: vigorous yet compact and upright; the shorter, thicker stalks are less prone to tipping over, making it suitable for windy gardens or smaller spaces.
• Flowers: If left unharvested through the second year (biennial) or exposed to high heat, the plant will bolt and produce clusters of bright yellow, four-petaled flowers attractive to pollinators.
• Seeds: Small, round, dark brown seeds that are fast-germinating; best started indoors to get a head start on the long growing season.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) for dense sprout formation and sturdy stalk development.
• Soil: Thrives in rich, fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8; amend heavily with compost as Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders.
• Water: Needs consistent, regular moisture; uneven watering can cause loose or bitter sprouts. Mulching is highly recommended to keep roots cool.
• Spacing: Plant seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 30 inches apart to allow for airflow and easy harvesting.
• Maintenance: "Top" the plant (remove the growing tip) about a month before the final harvest to direct energy into plumping the sprouts; harvest from the bottom up as sprouts mature.

Shipping Info Jade Cross Brussels Sprout seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.