Top Part of Brussels Sprouts Plant

Question

We have a small garden containing Brussels sprouts (Huntington Beach, Ca) which are ready for harvesting. They seem very good (we had some), but what about the very top part of the plant which tends to curl up similar to how cauliflower grows? Should we pick it off and eat it or throw it away? I believe it would hasten the ripening of the little cabbages along and give them more room. Can you explain?

Answer 1

As soon as the lower sprouts begin to mature, pinch out the growing shoot at the top of each plant (not the entire top leaf). This will stop the top from growing and encourage the sprouts to ripen along the stalk.