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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Digeroo on April 27, 2009, 22:22:42

Title: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: Digeroo on April 27, 2009, 22:22:42
Things are getting very depressing today.  Veggies are much for fun to think about,

Perhaps folks could give me some advice about sprouts.  I have not grown them for years.  But now I have more space I would like to give them a go this year.  However I do not like them when they are bitter. I usually find the smaller ones available around xmas are ok but after a while they get grotty. 

Problem is knowing whether they will be nice there is nothing about this one the packets.  Can you recommend a nice variety which give small sweet sprouts and does not blow easily.
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: bionear2 on April 27, 2009, 22:44:53
Try F1 "Brilliant" recommended by a neighbour at the lottie
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: hippydave on April 27, 2009, 22:46:32
i grow Trafalgar and Montgomery but never pick them till we have had a frost i think it makes them sweeter
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: saddad on April 27, 2009, 23:03:31
My best were from Igor (F1) Robinsons...  :)
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: Digeroo on April 27, 2009, 23:13:27
Many thanks for your suggestions.
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: PurpleHeather on April 28, 2009, 02:03:12
I love fresh sprouts and can not understand any one not liking them. Never found them bitter either.

My nightmare is to get them to grow tight. Our soil is very loose so I have set an area aside to compact hoping that will work.
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: worldor on April 28, 2009, 08:22:40
Put a pinch of sugar in with the salt when cooking. Same for  peas.
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: kt. on April 28, 2009, 12:57:21
Maximus F1.  Possibly the earliest of all sprouts.  2-3 sowings will ensire sprouts from September - February.  Stand well too.
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: NettleNik on April 29, 2009, 15:01:07
I boil my brussels for a few minutes then toss them into a frying pan with some chopped up bacon and butter with some rainbow pepper for seasoning. Tastes delicious and the kids love it! :)
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: davyw1 on April 29, 2009, 21:08:38
Quote from: PurpleHeather on April 28, 2009, 02:03:12
I love fresh sprouts and can not understand any one not liking them. Never found them bitter either.

My nightmare is to get them to grow tight. Our soil is very loose so I have set an area aside to compact hoping that will work.

Heather, Try digging a 6" trench and plant the sptouts in the botton, as they grow hoe back in and and stand on the soil around the plant each time till the soil is back to level again then stake them up.
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: Teej on April 30, 2009, 08:52:03
Thanks for that tip davyw1 - will def try that as I've been wondering where in my garden would be best for them.  That opens the options up nicely.
It's my first year of sprouts this year, as my "trial" veg, along with Butternut Squash.
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: shirlton on April 30, 2009, 09:15:38
We are growing Brilliant and  and after seeeing a pic of Maximus on here we are trying those as well
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: Tee Gee on April 30, 2009, 15:02:22
Maximus is my choice;

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd27/tgalmanac/Veg/DSCF5236.jpg)
Title: Re: Brussel Sprouts
Post by: Digeroo on April 30, 2009, 15:10:42
Salt, I hardly ever use salt.  Sugar is fattening.  I love a nice sprout just lightly steamed.  But some are horrible.  Every time I buy them I eat a small piece to find out if they are bitter.

However. I know that I have different tastes to other people.  I hate leeks even the smell of them cooking makes be feel ill.  I am not keen on onions, garlic, cooked apples, coxs apples, pears, and pineapple is dreadful as is coconut and asparagus.