Sprouts are for Christmas?!

[DaisyDiamond]

I am slightly confused.....This is my first time growing brussels and I thought sprouts are for Christmas so it seems very early but brussels on the lower stalks are already about the size of golf balls. I picked one this morning and it seems ready for eating (like you would buy in the shops).

Are my sprouts really early for some reason? Should I pick the ones that seem ready or am I just being too eager? And does this suggest that I wont still have sprouts by Christmas dinner?

[Cosmo and Dibs]

I think if you pick them more will grow in their place..........?

[Paulottie]

When did you sow and set out Daisy?

It is a bit early, But like the rest of us they probably think summer was over at the end of Wimbledon! Normally they are ready from October but will stand In the colder weather. I shouldn't pick them just yet... they should develop right up the stalk. They are nice tight sprouts ... not blown like cabbages are they?

[Flobalob]

I sown my brussel seeds ( Nelson F1 ) indoors in March. Planted out in May and looks like i shall be picking next month.
july+09+043.jpg (image)

[DaisyDiamond]

When did you sow and set out Daisy?

It is a bit early, But like the rest of us they probably think summer was over at the end of Wimbledon! Normally they are ready from October but will stand In the colder weather. I shouldn't pick them just yet... they should develop right up the stalk. They are nice tight sprouts ... not blown like cabbages are they?

They were put out in Late April/May when I bought the plants from the Garden Centre. I thought they might be blown as they were so early which was my reason for picking one this morning but they are all tight and solid. I'll leave them a while then. Thank You.

[Two_Sheds]

I sow mine in April/May, plant out in July, and they are ready for eating around Xmas

[King Carrot]

Putting a few sprouts that I've had in 2 Lt pots since April, out this week - I just need to clear a strawberry patch first, I'll guess I'll find out if I'm too late getting them in the ground later on.

[gojiberry]

Early varieties of sprouts start at the end of Aug beginning of Sept so they aren't all that early. I would start to harvest a few as it will encourage new sprouts to form. I would blanch and freeze a few then if your plants have finished before Xmas at least you will have a back up plan. Next year you need to plan to have a couple of varieties to see you through the winter.

Ian

[Paulottie]

Either that or buy a turkey now and get Xmas over and done with early this year!!!

I do prefer to pick the whole stalk myself but that is not a bad idea that Ian, as I guess there will be a lot of slugs and caterpillars etc to damage them still and they may not stand so well in the (vaguely) warm summer.