Brussel Sprouts - Advice on chopping leaves?

[Parsleythelion]

Hello All

My first year of growing has been very enjoyable, lots of successes and some failures. We are now approaching winter veg time and I have a question about sprouts.

I am growing Petit Posy (the sprout/kale cross) after buying some from M&S earlier in the year and liking them. They are grown like sprouts and the plant is about 3 to 4 feet tall. The pictures you see of sprout plants resemble umbrellas or trees (tall stalks with leaves at the top). Mine still have lots of side branches with possible sprouts just above each stem. I have looked on various sites and they recommend removing the leaves but there is nothing about this on the packet's instructions

Should I do this?
When is a good time to do this?
Do i cut them with knife or snap?

I have attached a photo (which I hope has come out) which shows the branches with sprouts above.

Thanks

Parsleythelion

[rustylady]

The only leaves I remove from brassicas (including sprouts) are the ones at the very bottom when they have done their job feeding the plant and have gone yellow.

[Parsleythelion]

Thanks rustylady, I have been removing the yellowing leaves as and when I see them and will continue to do so.

[Munch]

I have a question about sprouts? Some of mine a forming and are still tiny little balls, however some are big and really open with no signs of them tightening up.
Why is this happening? and what can I do?

[chris]

Mine are extremely tiny too.. wasn't sure if that was normal ?

Munch, I think the term is "blown". You can still eat them (http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...outs_4359.html)

A quick search online reveals either the foot of the plant is too warm (?) or the PH of the soil is incorrect.

Though, I'm not sure if that's correct - I'm sure someone will post some proper advice shortly

[rustylady]

Once sprouts have formed loose and open they won't ever form nice tight balls. They are edible though. Brassicas, especially sprouts, like really firm soil. As to the others being really small - it is a bit early in the season to be harvesting sprouts, so there should still be time for them to grow.

[nomis]

I tend to just remove the ones that look like they are dying.

Sometimes I pull a few good ones from lower down, as our rabbit loves them 8)

[Munch]

Thanks for the advice peeps! I am hoping to get lotty next year, on the waiting list in the meantime I think I just about the small amount of crops we can grown in our garden. Not much room for error!

[OllieMartin]

I have a question about sprouts? Some of mine a forming and are still tiny little balls, however some are big and really open with no signs of them tightening up.
Why is this happening? and what can I do?

They're blown sprouts. As has already been mentioned; they should be removed immediately and will not form nice tight sprouts.

To prevent: Make sure the plants are kept well watered during dry weather and avoid planting too closely or choose an F1 hybrid variety.

Blown sprouts - WikiGardener

[Munch]

Thank you... off to remove blown sprouts....