why have my sprouts not developed as a tight bud?

went to the allotment today to get some sprout but none of them were any good they were all open what am i doing wrong?

 

First of all, even though they are not tight, the blown sprouts are still very edible. Treat them like a small savoy cabbage and serve with a little sprinkling of black pepper.
The usual reason for the sprouts 'blowing' like this is that they were planted in loose soil. My old gardening guru always said "plant 'em with an 'ammer". So when you plant your sprouts next year, plant them deeply, down to the first set of leaves and really firm them in with your heel.

 

thanks i will try it next year i am not giving up.

 

Hello MM--
It has to do with when the heads were formed. If the weather was too warm when the heads were formed the heads will be loose.
The heads will be tight if the weather is cool when the heads form.
The factors involved are:
(1) the weather
(2) the time planted
(3) the sort of Brussel Sprouts that you are planting
(4) the condition of the soil

You can't do alot about the weather...but you can do something about when you plant the sprouts.
Try and plant them earlier (use a cold frame if necessary in your area if it is known for having late frosts).

Next year take some time to investigate the sprout varieties and find some that are recommended for your area. There are types that mature in fewer weeks, and will thus start forming heads during a cooler stage in the growing cycle.

Another aspect is the nutrient richness of the soil that you are planting them in. You may need to supplement your bed before and during the growing period, working-in manure and/or fertilizer. This will help the plant fight against the effects of warm temps at the time of bud development.

Another little trick is to top your plants when they are about 2 feet tall or so. The plant will then focus its energy on the developing heads.

One final tip is to make every effort to keep your plants quite moist during droughty spells.

I hope that this is helpful to you.

 

I have the exact same problem. Mine were all planted late and are growing now. No problem with the below freezing temps a few times. Still sprouts form loose heads.