Brussel king

DIGGER · « **on:** September 20, 2008, 20:52 »

I am now in my second year on my allotment and in general feel that I have done ok having started with little knowledge [actually no knowledge].
The biggest failure in my first year was the loss of all my brussels,all 12 plants blown.
So this year I gathered all the advise from the experts on other plots, got the ground firm [Iwas once spotted dancing on the allocated area,you dont see that much] added a little lime and today removed the side leaves.
Yes I appear to be on my way to success.
However for some reason ,I cant remember why ,I had removed the tops.
Now this has caused some debate from my fellow plot holders.
So to complete my education and to ensure that I become the brussel king,whats the advise from the forum.

johnhar · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2008, 21:03 »

Hi Digger.
Why have you removed any of the leaves as it is much better to take the leaves off as you pick them, as they protect the actual brussels from winter damage, unless the are diseased in any way.As regards taking the tops out this does help the knobs to form, and i do this about mid December on the first batch , then follow on as other varieties come on stream. hope this helps you .

DIGGER · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2008, 21:22 »

Thanks for your reply John. I have no idea why I took the leaves off I just followed all the advise as I had failed big time last year.
As regards the tops,perhaps I have just been a bit to keen.

gobs · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2008, 22:46 »

Yes, as John says you do that a couple of weeks or so prior to harvest, next time, you can't put them back now.

Never have done this, so just clever a$$$ng, could try some potassium feed to help them a bit? Some might know better...

WirralWally · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2008, 23:11 »

The only reason I'd be removing the tops from Brussels Sprouts is to eat them. The tops are tender and tasty greens.
There are, however, other reasons.

CLICK HERE for an explanation.

DIGGER · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2008, 09:54 »

Cheers everyone,what an abundance of info. I think I can be the brussel king now.
Digger

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