Bolting Sprouts!

Hi
Followed all the recommendations and put in really tight - they are now about 4 feet high but all the sprouts are open - can anyone advise where I went wrong?

 

That's bad luck. here are a few ideas:

1 What variety are they? Did they require something special in their timing or growing conditions?

2. 4ft tall by mid August is really big! Perhaps too much nitrogen has made the plants too big and blousy?

3. This summer has been very windy. Although you say they're in tight, perhaps buffeting by the wind has caused them stress?

4. I know it's been a dull summer but there have been dry spells. Did they suffer lack of water at a crucial growing stage?

Are there any more buds to come? Can you salvage the tops for greens?

 

Had a sudden thought. You've just moved into a new cottage and cleared a new veg patch haven't you?

Did you dig in fresh manure? I seem to recall that fresh manure and ground that's still "puffy" from being dug over can cause brussel sprouts to blow.

Perhaps other forum members know more about this.

 

Thanks Flinty - I think that probably it.
I dug a trench in april 4 feet x 18 inches deep and put in 4 inches of manure. Left it until mid may, tread down planted sprouts and savoy cabbages, The cabbages are the best I've ever seen but the sprouts are pathetic!

 

Odds on it was the manure that did it!
Brassicas don't like acid conditions.