Hi Pandora,
This is my first year so obviously I'm new to Brugs. I have a 'Cherub' that has just started budding this past week. The buds now look like okra - same size & shape; the variegated 'Snowbank' is still just puttering along. I've failed to fertilize either one (dealing with a dying friend has hampered many things here) although I did put them in brand new 50/50 soil (top soil/compost) when I built the raised beds for them.
I too cut off lower leaves - most had been devoured by caterpillars and cabbage worms. Like any flowering plant I would think that plenty of water is a requirement (something else I've failed too do religiously). I too have heard they are heavy feeders (another reason for lots of water since some nutrients leach easily, and all need water to be absorbed by the roots).
One other thing is these buds began when the heat began to back off. Does anyone know if they slow down blooming when it's hot? I hope to learn a lot more from answers here - thanks for the question!
