206 



grown. In the first experiments made by the Department, both 

 sand and sphagnum moss were used in wliich to plant the corms. 

 In one of these blanchmg was accomphshed by keeping the shoots 

 covered with sand, while in the others a frame covered with sev- 

 eral thicknesses of burlap was used. The boxes in which these 

 experiments were carried on were placed in a warm greenhouse on 

 a bench that was supplied with bottom heat. 



"Neither of the foregoing methods is adapted for use where the 

 production of shoots on a large scale is desired. For such a case, 

 provided the weather is not too cold and a suitable greenhouse is 

 available, a bed may be prepared under a bench. The space may 

 be darkened by hanging several thicknesses of heavy paper or 

 burlap from the sides of the bench. This plan is suited to the 

 spring of the year, while those methods by which bottom heat 

 can be applied may be used at any time after the corms become 

 available, in the late fall or early winter. 



"The method which is probably best for large scale production 

 is to use a raised bed provided with bottom heat. A cover, prac- 

 tically light proof and with sides 18 to 24 inches high, is required. 

 The temperature inside this should be about 70° F. The soil (or 

 sand) should be a little warmer, say, 80°. To obtain this tem- 

 perature it is best to partially inclose the space beneath the bed. 



"The first crop of shoots is usually ready for cutting in 35 to 40 

 days after planting. hVom 6 to 10 cuttings can be made at inter- 

 vals of 10 to 14 days, depending upon temperature and the size 

 of the corms used. The shoots are cut close to the corm. and, 

 as far as practicable, before the leaves begin to ex])and. They 

 will then usually be 8 to 16 inches long. 



"After the corms become exhausted, which is indicated by the 

 weak growth of the shoots, they are discarded. 



"Out of doors in a warm region, as in Florida, the corms may 

 be ])lante(l in rows in sandy soil and the shoots blanched by ridg- 

 ing up the soil as growtli ])rogresscs. Instead of ridging the soil, 

 boards may be used, as in blanching celery, but the shoots nuist 

 not at any stage of their growth be ex])osc<l to liglil lor any con- 

 siderable length of time. 



I laiidliiv^ and Kcrpiiia;. 



"'{"he sh(j(jts have been found to kcc]) well for several da\s if 

 in a cool, dry place. As they are very succulent, however, it is 

 better that the period of storage be very limited — not over two to 

 four days when avoidable. A little ventilation is necessary, but 

 as the shoots s(;(jn wilt if evaporation is too rapid, a parafliiud 

 paper should be used in wrapping and a slight opening left. 



"Sometimes, when the shoots are to be kept for only a dav or 

 two before using, it may be advisable to wrap first in wet i)a])er 

 and then with paraffinetl pa])er, especially if the i)lace where they 

 arc to l)c kept is not quite cool enough. 



