Why aren't my Brussel sprouts forming sprouts?

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​    I have had the question asked today why my brussels sprouts aren’t forming sprouts.  This is what I found out.   Have you done this to your Brussel sprouts? 
Sprout Formation
Brussels sprout formation will begin about 50 days after planting. The sprouts look like miniature cabbages and will form where each leaf joins the center stalk, at the leaf axil. The first sprouts will appear close to the plant base and then upward along the trunk. To encourage faster sprout growth, remove the top growing peak from the plant when sprouts have formed 10 to 12 inches from the base. Without this extra foliage, the plant can maximize its resources into the development of mature sprouts. As sprouts continue to grow, remove lower leaves to keep sprouts from crowding each other. Brussels sprouts can be harvested as soon as they are marble sized; however, more flavor-filled sprouts are closer to golf-ball sized. Another sign that sprouts are ready for harvest is the yellowing of larger plant leaves. How to Trim Brussels Sprouts Plants Light pruning of Brussels sprout plants will encourage vigorous growth and further sprout development, which will give you more sprouts to sauté, roast, etc. Begin pruning Brussels sprouts when you see at least one sprout develop. At this time, prune off the lowest 6-8 leaves with hand pruners. The cut should be as close to the main vertical stem as possible. Continue to trim off 2-3 lower leaves each week throughout the growing season, making sure to keep several large, healthy upper leaves to feed the plant. Three weeks prior to harvesting the sprouts, quit trimming any lower leaves. Cut 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) off the uppermost vertical stalk with the pruners – straight across the stem just above a leaf. This is the best way to prune Brussels sprouts if you want to trick the plant into maturing all at once. Commercial growers practice this method of pruning so they can get their produce to market. Of course, you don’t have to prune or trim the plant at all, but doing so can engender a longer crop with more robust sprouts. You can always just remove sprouts as they get large enough by gently twisting them until they break from the plant.
 
Read more at Gardening Know How: Pruning Brussels Sprouts: When To Prune Leaves Of Brussels Sprouts https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/brussels-sprouts/pruning-brussels-sprouts.htm
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net +41-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365