Jade Cross E Brussels Sprout

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Sweet, nutty flavor with a clean, jade-bright character—Jade Cross E Brussels Sprout forms compact sprouts that feel dense and velvety to the touch.

At maturity, the heads develop a rich deep forest-green sheen and a tight, layered texture that holds its charm whether you’re savoring them straight from the garden or turning them into glossy, savory preparations. Grow this standout for a steady harvest window and a striking, ornamental look in the bed through the season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Jade Cross E Brussels Sprout

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jul 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Jade Cross E brings a tighter, more velvety sprout structure with a sweet, nutty snap that doesn’t collapse into bitterness when roasted hard. Treat it like a small, layered cabbage—cut for even browning, then finish with acid and fat so the flavor stays jade-bright, not sulfurous.

Best Uses

hot-roast on a sheet pan until the edges go deeply caramelized
shave and toss raw with lemon, salt, and olive oil for a crisp, bright crunch
pan-fry or sear cut sprouts for a glossy, browned exterior
braise briefly with butter until tender but still structured

Flavor Profile

sweet-nutty bite dense, velvety sprout layers clean, cabbage-bright finish sweetness that holds up to high heat

Kitchen Pairings

bacon or pancetta lemon garlic balsamic vinegar olive oil parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera (Brussels sprouts), and how do I manage it?

Cabbage moth/cabbage loopers and aphids are common on Brussels sprouts, and they can rapidly defoliate plants. Check the undersides of leaves weekly and hand-pick larvae, then spray with insecticidal soap (especially early morning) to knock down aphids and small caterpillars; repeat every 5–7 days while you see active feeding. For disease, watch for yellowing and poor growth with club-shaped roots—if it appears, remove affected plants and avoid replanting brassicas in the same soil to reduce clubroot buildup.

How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera during its main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly from when plants are established until the sprouts start filling), keep soil consistently evenly moist, not waterlogged. Aim for deep watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot, windy weather so the top few inches stay moist; a quick test is that the soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge at 2–3 inches deep. Mulch around plants to stabilize moisture and reduce stress-related loose sprout formation.

How can I tell when Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera is ready to harvest?

Harvest is typically around 85 days to maturity, but use the sprout size and firmness first: pick when lower sprouts are firm and about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. Start with the bottom sprouts and work upward, harvesting every few days as more mature. Once sprouts are glossy and tight, don’t wait for them to split or become loose—overmature sprouts can taste stronger and loosen.