What hardiness zones is Brassica oleracea 'Diablo' suitable for?

Brassica oleracea 'Diablo' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Brassica oleracea 'Diablo'?

Brassica oleracea 'Diablo' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Brassica oleracea 'Diablo' need?

Brassica oleracea 'Diablo' has High water needs.

Brassica oleracea 'Diablo', Diablo Brussels Sprouts

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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Diablo'

Diablo Brussels Sprouts

Brassicaceae

Coastal Europe (B. oleracea gemmifera; Brussels sprouts developed Belgium 1200s-1300s; Diablo hybrid; dark green 50-80 sprouts; frost improves flavor)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b

Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Diablo' is an annual vegetable reaching 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall with a spread of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and an upright, single-stemmed, columnar habit with sprouts forming along the stem from bottom to top. A hybrid Brussels sprout, it produces firm, round, dark green sprouts 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in diameter tightly packed along a thick central stalk—typically 50-80 sprouts per plant. Large, blue-green, fan-shaped leaves emerge from the stem above the sprouts. Days to maturity 110-120 from transplant. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Long-season crop. Flavor improves markedly after frost—cold converts starches to sugars. Harvest from bottom up as sprouts reach 1-1.5 inches.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea (gemmifera group—Brussels sprouts) descended from wild cabbage native to coastal Europe. Brussels sprouts were developed near Brussels, Belgium, in the 1200s-1300s.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—roasting, sautéing, steaming, shredding for salads. Dark green firm sprouts. 50-80 per plant. Flavor markedly improves after frost. Long season 110-120 days. Topping redirects energy. Cool-season. Not suitable for short-season climates without early start or warm-winter regions.

How to Identify

Distinguished from cabbage by the multiple small heads (sprouts) along a tall central stalk (versus single large head). Distinguished from other Brussels sprout cultivars by the dark green (versus lighter green) sprouts and the high sprout count (50-80). Diablo Brussels sprouts—dark green firm sprouts, 50-80 per stalk, hybrid, flavor improves after frost, 110-120 days.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Four-petaled yellow flowers if overwintered or not harvested. Harvest sprouts before any bolting. Long-season crop—plant in spring for fall/winter harvest.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; bolting only

Foliage Description

Blue-green; large fan-shaped; above dark green sprouts along thick stalk

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

110-120 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 12-14 weeks before first fall frost (plant in spring for fall harvest). Transplant into rich, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Consistent moisture and heavy feeding. Stake tall plants in windy sites. Days to maturity 110-120 from transplant. Top the plant (remove growing tip) 3-4 weeks before expected final harvest to redirect energy into sprouts. Harvest from bottom up when sprouts reach 1-1.5 inches.

Pruning

Remove lower yellowing leaves as sprouts develop. Top the plant (cut growing tip) 3-4 weeks before final harvest to size up remaining sprouts. Harvest bottom-up.