Brussels no-sprouts?

[DarthMaul]

Not sure what's wrong with my Brussels Sprouts. I'm in zone 6a and I planted a couple of them in the ground back in May. They've grown really nicely - they're about 18 inches tall now - but they're all leaves. Not a single sprout on them. Getting a bit concerned as we're not far away from the first frost now. I'm assuming they're not suddenly going to grow sprouts, so what happened?

 

[DiggersJo]

Perhaps a little too early yet, or planted too late? Can't be sure as I don't know your season, but 18" is quite small here for mature plants.

 

[DarthMaul]

Should I be pruning the lower leaves?

 

[Meadowlark]

Should I be pruning the lower leaves?

Yes, I would. You should see fruit bulbs beginning there at the base?

 

[oneeye]

If you have a high ratio of nitrogen in the soil, Brussels can get leafy. The same goes for most flowering and fruiting plants. Too much nitrogen promotes lush, leafy vegetative growth at the cost of sprouts. Your plants look beautiful and healthy. I was wondering if you amended the soil with any composted manure or used any fertilizer?

 

[Ruderunner]

Those don't look like Brussels to me at all.

Otoh, brassicas don't mind frost too much and Brussels take a long time.

 

[DiggersJo]

They certainly look like sprout plants to me, but you can't see from the picture between the leaf and stalk join i.e. where the sprouts would grow, if there are the makings of any sprouts there? They may only be pea size, but should really be showing.

 

[Ruderunner]

The ones I've grown had much more room between tiers of leaves, those almost look like ornamental cabbages.

 

[Meadowlark]

I have to agree that the plant in the rear of the photo does look more ornamental cabbage than Brussels...maybe even a Kale variety I've seen. However, the one in front of the photo does look like Brussels to me.

Have you checked for little buds...right next to where the leaf fastens to the trunk should be buds up and down the stalk?