Brussel Sprouts - Is this normal?

[Traceyash]

Being a starter,im a little concerned over my Brussel Sprout plant. Ive just been out there and looked at all my little cherubs,as ya do,and noticed that the bottom part of the brussel sprout stem and the bottom section of stems are turning pinky purple whereas the top half of the main stem and top sections of stems look normal and the leaves are fine too. Is there anything wrong with it?
I water it rugularly too and tis my prize veggie at the moment,standing proud at nearly 3 foot tall.

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Tracey, purple is usually a sign of phosphorous deficiency but it should also show on the leaf edges and under the leaves. Is there any purple on the leaves now?

[Traceyash]

Hi Lesley.
Just looked at her and yes,there's quite alot of purple on the leaves and the edges of leaves too! Can she be saved?

And my runner bean leaves are all curling now too! Been away for the weekend and dont think they were watered enough,if at all. I sprayed them with a weak solution of washing up liquid and water friday evening after reading another thread of blackfly which mine had. Could it be that thats upset them?

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Tracey, your brussel sprout plant is easily cured by using a super phosphate feed such as this one:-

http://www.vitax.co.uk/index.php/are...uperphosphate/

The runner bean plant leaves curling could be a combination of lack of water and the washing up liquid. You need to keep them watered and see how they get on.

[Traceyash]

Many thanks Lesley. I went out yesterday and purchased some of this Vitax Super Phosphate although it took me ages to find it until i noticed it was staring me in the face,they'd changed the box design from the link you sent me. Have fed her so now we wait to see if it works. Thanks again!