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Brussels Sprouts - Never get big enough!

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by CanadianLori, Dec 14, 2017.

  1. CanadianLori

    CanadianLori Total Gardener

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    This is my fourth year of trying to grow brussels sprouts. I picked the one with the shortest growing season- Jade Cross 95 days or less. Doesn't seem to matter how early I start, I have never gotten my to grass big enough to eat. They are the size of marbles along the stem.

    Anyone else had this issue?
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I used to grow them but never came across this problem.
    95 days sounds a bit short to me, more like 6 months, at least, sowing to harvest, when I grew them.
    Should spend the summer forming nice thick stems and lots of leaves, then as the frosts start the sprouts start to form up.
     
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    • CanadianLori

      CanadianLori Total Gardener

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      I've got lovely thick stems and the sprouts start, just never get big. I start mine in late April and I'd have thought they'd be formed by the end of October, but no.. they just stay puny.
       
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      • Jack McHammocklashing

        Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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        The roots need to be well compacted in (trodden around so ground is firm) or in some cases have them tied to stakes
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          Have you got a picture Lori
           
        • CanadianLori

          CanadianLori Total Gardener

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          @pete,,just waiting for my boots to thaw. I'd left them in the unheated greenhouse right outside my back door. Everything will be frozen now as I'd left the plants as was. Boots thawed and tried to snap... no biggie, I'll get there...

          Having issues with my tablet camera..... the sun over my shoulder earlier must have caused me to push the wrong setting keep tuned :)
           
        • CanadianLori

          CanadianLori Total Gardener

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          20171214_145321.jpg
           
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          • Vince

            Vince Not so well known for it.

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            Best NOT put a piccy of my sprouts. Been picking them for weeks and only have a few left for christmas.......... Sorry Lori:sad:
             
          • CanadianLori

            CanadianLori Total Gardener

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            So, any idea why mine are so puny?
             
          • Vince

            Vince Not so well known for it.

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            Not too sure, maybe London is closer to Brussels? (and on a similar soil type (clayish), latitude, climate)
             
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            • Freddy

              Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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              According to one commercial seller...

              “Jade Cross E is a fine hybrid that produces high yields of deep green, flavorful 1/4 to 1" round sprouts”
              Sounds like your sprouts are as they should be Lori. Maybe time to try a different variety?
               
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              • CanadianLori

                CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                @Freddy you're probably right.. and I got the smallest size ... :doh:

                Next year I'll try one of the others.

                I love brussels sprouts even though my Dad used to accuse my Mother of bringing them with her when she came here. She was a war bride :heehee:
                 
              • Freddy

                Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                Hiya Lori :thumbsup: May I ask, when do you normally have your last spring frost, and when do you normally get your first winter frost?
                 
              • CanadianLori

                CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                For my area it is May 10th. I do start lots of seedlings indoors prior to that.
                 
              • Freddy

                Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                So, your growing season is fairly similar to ours, I’m guessing. I’d go for a ‘regular’ variety, ie not one advertised as a short season grower. When I used to grow them, I’m pretty sure I sowed in April and was picking in November or so. Hope this helps :thumbsup:
                 
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