Bursting Sprouts

[Frana]

Why are my sprouts bursting!

I planted them in firm ground and they have been doing really well but all of a sudden I am being faced with a stalk full of mini spring cabbages!

I think they are Evesham Specials.

[womble]

It's called "blowing" and the usual talked about culprit is not planting firmly enough.
I think there are various other reasons it can happen, like the rocking of the plant in wind, causing smaller roots to break and depriving the plant of nutrients. And I also think it can just be a lack of nutrients.

Knowing brassicas and brussels especially, can be difficult, I have a feeling just looking at one in the wrong tone of voice, can get their backs up.

[Two_Sheds]

We've discussed this before. I don't have time to do a search myself, but I do remember lots of people saying that Evesham was rubbish (myself included)

[greengas]

We've discussed this before. I don't have time to do a search myself, but I do remember lots of people saying that Evesham was rubbish (myself included)

Thats the reason mine have blown then, what variety are best?

[Munch]

Its happened to me too this year

Have a read of this hun

Blown sprouts - WikiGardener - The gardening site that anyone can edit

[LolaLou]

There are so many varieties to chose from - I had Wellington and Bosworth last year. Got a small crop of small sprouts from the Bostworth but the Wellington blew completely, despite being on solid ground and staked - on the other hand, my dad's Wellington's (sprouts that is, not his boots) cropped perfectly from November through to January with no supports (and they're meant to be a late sprout)?! This year I've grown Camelot and from my first planting I've just cropped a big bag of medium/large sized sprouts already (sort of expected them in Nov but hey, I don't mind - I'd only gone over to stake the plants up as they were growing at an interesting angle!) so I'm still learning on the sprout growing too - it sometimes sounds like it is just down to sheer luck of the draw to me!