What do I do with the Brussels sprouts do encourage the sprouts ? the plants are really large now, should I pick off the lower leaves? How tall do they grow? this is the first year that we are growing them and I know nothing of their culture. Thanks

-- P T (ptkonstant@aol.com), June 22, 2001

Answers

Just leave them alone and they will start to grow their little sprouts soon enough. They will look like little bumps on the stems and will get bigger with time. Then.....enjoy them !!! You can even leave them in your garden until well after the frost in the fall. I think they actually taste better, if that is possible as we love bussel sprouts. Good Luck !!!!

-- Helena Di Maio (windyacs@ptdprolog.net), June 22, 2001.

To get sprouts to "brussle" you pick the top (center) leaves. Then the plant proceeds to create little brussles for you. This should be done fairly early in the season, but if you have a long growing season there may still be time for the plant to do it's thing. :) tang

-- tang (tang@mtaonline.net), June 22, 2001.

I have not tried this yet, but it is a tip I acquired recently, and I intend to do it this year. Here in Southern Maine (zone 5) it is recommended that the plants be "topped" about 1 Sept to force all growth into the existinf sprouts. I have never pruned leaves, but have noticed the sprouts got smaller with the few inches of altitude. I will top them this year. GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), June 23, 2001.