Topic: Brussel sprouts

[linsdownoptimist]

I was thinking of growing sprouts. Once they are on the stalk can you pick just a handful off the stem? Or do you have to harvest the whole stalk.

Sonja

[Tenuse]

You can pick them as you need them, either cut or twist them off the stem. Usual advice is to pick from the bottom up.

Ten x

[Mrs Ava]

yum - I love sprouts!  Anyhow, once you have picked all the sprouts, don't forget to use the top leaves - you know, brussel tops, I love them, but then I love my greens!

I agree, twist them from the bottom up, however, when I have wanted a few baby tiny ones for the kids, I do pick haphazardly.  My neighbour calls them dolly cabbages!  hahaha....I have a long and strangely stooooppid name for them, but I love them! :P

[tim]

- shouldn't say this, but our farmers' market does them on the stem - all inclusive. Great - last for ever. And, of course the tops - the best bit! Sometimes you have to pick them before the sprouts are finished. Can't cope with growing them these days.

A thought about picking - the older types were 'progressive' - newer ones tend to be more commercially 'once over' plants. = Tim

[gavin]

Hi there - depending on how much you'll use at one time, it might be worth choosing a variety which stands well.

Noisette have (almost!) always done really well for me - providing sprouts from November through to February.  They are a bit small and fiddly, but taste wonderful.

Other varieties I've tried have been good at the beginning of their season - but blow before we get a chance to eat the later ones as sprouts.  Still nice to eat! - but not nice tight sprouts!

All best - Gavin

[Palustris]

The new varieties of 'sweet'  sprouts are to my mind far pleasanter than the older varieties. And if you have the problem of the sprouts 'blowing' (bursting open, often caused by no planting firmly enough), don't despair, they still taste as good, like little cabbages.

[tim]

- and make sure the ground is really firm when planting, or they'll be 'blousy'? = Tim

[Mrs Ava]

Oh Tim, what a great description.  Blousy.  Like it.   ;D

[Hyacinth]

Me too, EJ ;D - imagine!! blousy sprouts and some Esther Ranzen-type forked carrots on your Christmas dinnerplate - YESSSS!! Lish

[linsdownoptimist]

well thanks for the tips guys (and gals of course). I will definitely have a go at growing sprouts. :P