Why won't my Brussels sprouts form heads?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.It's frustrating when Brussels sprouts do not head. There are 3 associations: overcrowding, nutrient deficiencies and failing to expose the sprouts properly to the cold. Identifying your issue is a matter of checking how closely the plants are embedded, the coloration of their leaves and much they locally chill. In successive seasons of sprouting plants of definite intervals, reserving some for this purpose.
Too many plants at once (Overcrowding): Plants interfere with one another, the air does not dry well, and light cannot reach all parts. Everything drauxs upon neighbours and become shothalt, creeping nigh to the bardge.. Twenty-four to thirty inches between Brussels sprouts. Destroy those nearest. It allows them to expand laterally so that their energies are concentrated on producing sprouts rather than upon survival.
Spacing Correction
- Transplant excess seedlings to new locations
- Prune lower leaves for better airflow
- Install support stakes to redirect growth
Nutrient Management
- Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer every 3 weeks
- Side dress with aged compost monthly
- Test soil pH maintain 6.0-7.5 range
Temperature Control
- Ensure 2 weeks below 50°F before harvest
- Use shade cloth if temperatures exceed 75°F
- Mulch to regulate soil temperature
Nutrient deficiencies: Leaves will be starved, be lacking in basic growth components. Yellowing of lower leaves is a sign of missing nitrogen. Purple tinged foliage indicates a shortage of phosphorus. When planting, use balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. As sprouts begin appearing, switch to a surplus of nitrogen fertilizer. Compost tea or blood meal can be applied as well.
Vernalization requirements Require cool periods below 50°F. at which sprouts begin to form. Plants need to be grown at a temperature of 10 °C or lower each night for two weeks. In warm climates, the time to plant is in the spring for fall harvests. Use misting systems to cool during very warm periods.
Avoid problems next year with variety selection and planning. Use a hybrid like Crispus that forms heads reliably. Plant after you have determined the frost dates, ensuring cool exposure. Water the plants regularly with drip tubes to prevent moisture stress in the soil. Follow all these ideas and you will be able to count on head formation every year.
Check your plants weekly for any problems, and take special note to inspect the stem thickness. A few thickening stems mean that sap is flowing freely through the phloem and cambium. Touch the sprouts each month to count the number you have. For problems, refer to the diagnostic table. Your health plants will reward you with small, sweet, succulent sprouts by the courgette-jar full!
Read the full article: How to Grow Brussels Sprouts Perfectly
