CABBAGE, CAULIFLOWER, AND KALE 37 



and purple types. Kale is probably the hardiest plant 

 of the cabbage group, enduring exposure through south- 

 ern winters and even at the north surviving with slight 

 protection. Large quantities are grown in Virginia, 

 harvested in early winter, and shipped to northern 

 markets. 



In the Kohlrabi the edible part is the curiously swollen 

 stem just above the ground. This is sometimes called 

 the Turnip-rooted Cabbage, but this is not a correct 

 name, because the swollen part is not the root at all. 

 Commercially this is one of the least important plants 

 of the cabbage group. The culture is much the same 

 as for cabbage, it being important to harvest the crop 

 before the swollen stems become* tough and woody. 



In studying the cabbage we learned that there are buds 

 in the axils of the leaves. In the Brussels Sprouts we 

 have a form in which these buds are developed into tiny 

 cabbage heads which are very good to eat. Seed is 

 planted and seedlings transplanted much as with the 

 cabbage. The central stem elongates and sends out 

 coarse leaves along its sides. In summer the buds de- 

 velop in the axils of the leaves, and the leaves are then 

 to be removed in order that the strength of the plant 

 may be sent into the buds. These increase rapidly in 

 size, looking Hke miniature cabbages strung upon the 

 stem. A lot of these as they are marketed are pictured 

 on page 29. 



Cabbage Brassica oleracea, variety capitata. 

 Wild Cabbage Cauliflower " " " botrytis. 



■ Kale " " " acephala. 



Brassica oleracea Kohlrabi caulo-rapa. 



I Brussels Sprouts " " " gemmifera. 



