66 THE BOOK OF RARER VEGETABLES 



or in dry hot soils where the ordinary plants fail. It is 

 useful as a vegetable in a boiled state and valuable for 

 colouring purposes. It likes a light, rich soil, and ample 

 space, 3 feet between the plants. We sow under glass in 

 small pots and plant out early in June. It may also be 

 sown in the open the middle of May, but sown under 

 glass the plant gives earlier produce and at a time it is 

 more valuable. It is best grown on the flat on a south 

 border, and grown thus will give a supply till cut down 

 by frost. 



