Sprout question - I'm an idiot so be gentle with me.

[Lumpy]

I have never grown sprouts but fully intend to give it a go next year.

So, if I grow one plant per container can I cut it in half when it get too tall, cut a X in the top and wait for the new leaves to appear.

I understand that the leaves will be smaller and if the plant survives there will be less and smaller sprouts.....

but can I control the size of triffid I want?

[veggiechicken]

If you're worried abut the height, you could grow Early Half-tall https://www.seedparade.co.uk/brussel...300-seeds.html

[Alison]

I'm not sure I understand the reasoning here. What is your concern with height? I just let gem grow to full height and pick the sprouts as I need them.

[Jungle Jane]

Grown in the ground my sprouts were taller,in a potato sack container they were shorter plants,smaller sprouts,that dwarf variety looks good for containers.

[Guest]

If you're worried abut the height, you could grow Early Half-tall https://www.seedparade.co.uk/brussel...300-seeds.html

20% discount with code 20NOV. I am growing early half tall this year and it looks like I may get my first ever success with them. I got my seeds from the forest seed place VC mentioned earlier this year but I can't find their proper name.

[Zelenina]

I've never grown sprouts yet either. I did try many years ago in Lancashire, but everything ate them when they were only baby plants. But your suggested treatment sounds rather drastic to me. They might get upset and not produce any sprouts at all. So I agree with VC that it would be better to grow a naturally shorter variety. Another one is Seven Hills which is stocked by Real Seeds.

I've also often read that they need to be grown in really firm soil, otherwise the sprouts turn out loose and leafy. This is usually done by treading around them after planting, which you can't do in a container. So you'd have to find some other way of getting the same effect. Maybe other grapes can give you advice about that, e.g Potty.

[veggiechicken]

NG..........Its changed its name recently - Heirloom & Perennial Ltd | Heirloom & Perennial Ltd just to confuse us

[Jungle Jane]

Ive never trod around the plants like they say to do,after planting I use my hands to get any air out the soil/compost,using my body weight to make sure they're firm,because they're shallow rooted & can suffer wind rock being top heavy too. Sprouts can also blow if they get too hot,so partial sun is better because of our hot summer weather (that week of sunshine we have!)

[lottie dolly]

If you're worried abut the height, you could grow Early Half-tall https://www.seedparade.co.uk/brussel...300-seeds.html

Lumpy,cooeee

i got some of them,they are use by sept 15,should be still fine,i will share some with you,i have more than what i want,as i also have other varieties,all you need do is PM me your addy,it would be a pleasure,

[Lumpy]

Ta for the offer LD but I won't take you up on your kind offer as I only wondred if I could grow sprouts that were mini height.

If (I am no longer convinced that the supermarket is not the best place to get them from) I decide to have a go all I want is a few meals worth for the 2 of us so hacking, crossing and then praying seemed the best option as seed producers don't do a mini sprout plant for containers yet.

Ta anyway and I am sure somebody would like to take you up on your offer.

[veggiechicken]

How tall do you think sprouts grow, Lumpy? Most of mine are quite short - a couple or three feet.
You pick them from the bottom up, so if you chop the plant in half, you'll only have a few sprouts at the bottom.

[Lumpy]

About to say something really stupid I think but I thought sprouts were really tall - my height. It looks like that on the farm programme where they had huge fields of the triffids.

[veggiechicken]

How tall/short are you, Lumpy

[Lumpy]

With my shoes on I would probably come up to her shoulder and therefore eye to eye with the cabbage white caterpillars.

They just don't consider short people.

[Lisasbolt]

Mine have never grown that big, lucky if i get to 2 foot high. Don't know what varieties though as i bought as plug plants the last couple of years.