Brussels sprouts

[Snadger]

Sorry, still don't understand what you're actually doing here (been one of those days ). How much do you cut off and doesn't that mean you get less sprouts rather Han a bumper crop as you've just thrown away the top section?

The pigeons obliterated the cabbage top of my sprouts. You don't get more sprouts once this happens it just makes the ones near the top mature quicker and gives good sized sprouts at the top of the plant.

[alldigging]

Sorry, still don't understand what you're actually doing here (been one of those days ). How much do you cut off and doesn't that mean you get less sprouts rather Han a bumper crop as you've just thrown away the top section?

the top leafy bit not the top bit with sprouts on?

[Alison]

The pigeons obliterated the cabbage top of my sprouts. You don't get more sprouts once this happens it just makes the ones near the top mature quicker and gives good sized sprouts at the top of the plant.

Very fair point, I keep all my brassicas covered all their lives so avoid this problem

the top leafy bit not the top bit with sprouts on?

OK, that makes more sense, I'd read it as cutting off a chunk and assumed it was bigger but less sprouts as the aim but wasn't sure. To be honest, I want all my veggies to produce gradually in line with our meals so prefer the staged development but was a bit curious (read nosey!)

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Alison, Sorry I didn't make myself clearer!

Yes, as Alldigging said, just cut off the (Sprout Top) small cabbage looking bit, and don't throw it away, take it home and cook it as you would a cabbage, and like Snadger, have no idea how it works! But work it does!

[Alison]

No worries, I'm easily confused

[kennethc]

Many thanks to all who contributed to the conversation. In the end I decided on Bedford and I'm looking forward to trying these out this year, especially with all the knowledge gained from this post!

Once again, many thanks to all!

Kenneth