This is my first year growing Brussel Sprouts and I have a few questions:

1. I transplanted outside on May 21st, 100 days from that day would mean I should be ready to harvest on or around September 1st? From what I have read, I thought they needed to get hit by a lite frost in order to improve taste. My average first frost date is November 2.

2. The plants are about 2 1/2 feet tall, and the bottom sprouts are about the size of a nickel, should I top them already? I've also removed the bottom 6 to 8 leaves from each plant. Although not sure of the purpose.

Thanks for the responses in advance.

Happy Gardening,

Joe

You can eat the lower sprouts if you like. Taste may not be what you like since these plants like cool weather (upper 40's to lower 60's). They do survive light freezes. Removing lower leaves can actually reduce yield some what. Removing lower leaves allows you to see the sprouts better. I suggest you leave the leaves on till you are ready to pick the sprouts on that section of stem.