Contents
Forming Brussels sprouts is important for its better development and prevention of certain diseases. The foliage is necessary for the plant for respiration, photosynthesis and nutrition, protection from pests, overheating of the soil and excessive moisture loss. Formation is important to carry out in a timely and correct manner.
Do I need to cut the leaves off Brussels sprouts?
Remove leaves from Brussels sprouts when they are no longer useful. This happens in such cases:
- the presence of mechanical damage;
- damage by pests, diseases at the risk of spreading the problem;
- contact with the ground – there is a shelter for insects, the opportunity for the latter to climb the plant;
- obstruction of air access to other above-ground parts;
- natural aging, yellowing, wilting;
- too active growth, interfering with the development of heads of cabbage;
- shading other plants;
- creating an obstacle for a person interfering with the care of crops, harvesting.
Properly forming a bush of Brussels sprouts, removing unnecessary leaves, should also be used to obtain a good harvest. Timely and competent pruning allows the plant to direct more forces and nutrients for the development of heads of cabbage.
The foliage of the culture is large – the length of the plates can reach 40 cm, and the petioles 33 cm
When to Remove Leaves from Brussels Sprouts
Remove leaves from Brussels sprouts as needed. This procedure is performed when one of the above cases occurs. If there are no such factors, then formation is required only 3-5 weeks before harvest. Work is planned for dry and clear weather so that the wounds heal. Dampness can cause rotting.
A few weeks before harvest, the formation is stopped. For the ripening of heads of cabbage at this time, it is optimal to cut off the top of the main stem by 3-5 cm. This is usually done in late summer or early autumn.
Which leaves to trim from brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts need to cut off the lower leaves. If there are reasons for pruning, 6-8 pieces are first removed. Cut them off as close to the main stem as possible. Then, during the growing season, another 2-3 lower leaves are removed weekly. The top plates are not touched until the end of the summer, as they are important for nutrition.
Leaves can be torn off or cut with a sharp knife or secateurs
Care after pruning
After the formation of the bush, slices remain. Plant sap is released from them, which can attract aphids and other pests. It is worth watching the culture, it is useful to carry out preventive treatment. You can use folk remedies for it.
The culture is moisture-loving, and after formation, drying should not be allowed. Water the plant every 2-3 days, and in extreme heat without precipitation twice a day. For 1 m² of plantings, 40 liters of water are consumed, and after the formation of heads of cabbage, 50 liters. The method of sprinkling or drip irrigation is recommended.
When forming sprouts, including after pruning, the plant needs phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizers are applied in dry form or in the form of a solution. For 10 liters of water take:
- 30 g of potassium sulfate;
- 55 g superphosphate.
You can use complex fertilizers or natural top dressing. Suitable wood ash, diluted with boiling water (1:6).
Conclusion
It is necessary to form Brussels sprouts for better development of the crop, prevention of diseases and pests, and increased yields. The leaves are trimmed as needed or a few weeks in advance to collect heads of cabbage. After formation, the plant is provided with comprehensive care.
