So,Duajones, did you get any sprouts? I grew up in Corpus Christi and I can't imagine getting brussels sprouts in that tropical climate. In New York I plant them in late spring for a fall/winter crop. They taste so sweet sprayed with a little olive oil and roasted like potatoes, instead of being boiled to death.

[QUOTE=b54red;202010]Tim your wife and daughter might change their mind if they have some fresh from the garden. To me Brussels sprouts are one of those things that like tomatoes is so much better than store bought that I will no longer purchase them if I can't grow them. They might find the Bubbles variety more appetizing than some of the others as it seems to be milder and sweeter. I usually try to grow two varieties and now unless I find something better for our climate, Bubbles will always be one of the two.[/QUOTE]

Bill, What other varities, besides bubbles, do you recommend
I try? Looks like Reimer seeds has a good selection but they are
Currently out of Bubbles but I can order them later.

At today's farmers' market, one of the organic growers had some for $3 a pound -- tiny ones. They had a separate box for $2.50 a pound labeled "Slightly Buggy Brussels Sprouts." So even for commercial growers, they're not easy.

Tim since you are a newbie to Brussels Sprouts I think you should wait and see if you can get Bubbles a little later. There is no hurry because you have til late summer or early fall to start your seed. I grew a variety that made better than any other I have ever grown back in 2008; but for the life of me I can't remember the name. If you are going to get another variety I would recommend finding one that has a shorter maturity and if possible one that isn't too large.

Bill ,Sounds like a good plan to me. I picked up a pack
of the Variety "catskill" at my local Lowes and will wait
On the Bubbles to become available at Reimer seed.
I didnt want to wait too long and risk chance of them selling
Out of the Bubbles seed.

Decided to try growing four red varieties this season: Falstaff, Rubine, Red Delicious and Red Bull.

More on red varieties:

[URL]http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-marketwatch-20101126,0,4273695.story[/URL]

[URL]http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/arable/arable-features/adding-a-splash-of-colour-to-make-sprouts-more-sexy/35888.article[/URL]

I have never gown any red varieties but you have piqued my curiosity. I wonder if they are like red cabbage. By that I mean are they stronger tasting and a little tougher. I'd love to hear how they taste compared to the regular green sprouts. Thanks to trying Kosovo, Donskoi and Paul Robeson my tomato garden will be half hearts and blacks this year.

[quote=b54red;202802]I have never gown any red varieties but you have piqued my curiosity. I wonder if they are like red cabbage. By that I mean are they stronger tasting and a little tougher. I'd love to hear how they taste compared to the regular green sprouts. Thanks to trying Kosovo, Donskoi and Paul Robeson my tomato garden will be half hearts and blacks this year.[/quote]



Bill, Paul Robeson looks like a nice one. How does it compare to JD's Special C-Tex?

[QUOTE=Timbotide;204066]Bill, Paul Robeson looks like a nice one. How does it compare to JD's Special C-Tex?[/QUOTE]

Tim I liked the taste of Paul Robeson a little more but it is far harder to grow for me and JDs is so much more productive and reliable. I have found so many very tasty dark varieties that do better down here than Paul Robeson that it is no longer one I plant regularly.

[QUOTE=Timbotide;204066]Bill, Paul Robeson looks like a nice one. How does it compare to JD's Special C-Tex?[/QUOTE]

They both taste wonderful; but Paul Robeson doesn't do as well down here. JDs is one of my favorites for it's ability to produce in our heat and humidity.

I did end up getting a few very small sprouts just as the temps have turned too hot. I basically robbed the plant of its' babies before they could get big and loose. My crop was miniscule this year compared to the last two years because of the early heat waves we have experienced this spring. If I had planted any other variety I don't think I would have gotten any sprouts at all. I sure hope I can get more Bubbles for next year.

Would appreciate a translation, please- what is JD's Special C-Tex, and who sells it? Thanks- Dave

[QUOTE=davespitzer;210023]Would appreciate a translation, please- what is JD's Special C-Tex, and who sells it? Thanks- Dave[/QUOTE]

This is some great information about JD's Special C Tex.

[URL]http://t.tatianastomatobase.com:88/wiki/JD%27s_Special_C_Tex[/URL]


Tim

Thanks- I forgot about that site. Have it bookmarked now! You're right, it has great information, including pictures that really help. Dave

I have decide this is the year I am growing Brussel Sprouts. I have seed for Long Island Improved and Roodnerf.

I would like a some more information on the red varieties and their flavor compared to the greens. I might have to make a seed order from some ;)


Here in Iowa I plan on starting them from seed in early July and transplanting them in late August. Harvesting them in November after some frosts and hopefully not out of the snow.

I read somewhere you can dig up the plant with some dirt around the roots and if you store them in a cold place that they will last longer. I plan on planting 15 - 20 plants and will not be able to use them fast enough, thus I will be trying that method.

Dean