90 Subtropical Vegetable-Gardening 



checked in growth or not well fed, it produces a number of 

 buttons instead of solid heads. Cauliflower grows re- 

 markably well in the spring, fall, and winter seasons of sub- 

 tropical countries, such as Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the 

 Mediterranean region. One variety is grown from ac- 

 climated seed in the tropical parts of India. It may be 

 recommended for private or local use in tropical lands 

 where there is a distinct cool season, especially if grown 

 under a slat-shed, or under cheese-cloth on a small 

 scale. The seed for warm climates should be procured, 

 like that of the Bermuda onion, from a warm country. 

 Irrigation is highly beneficial, and a thick mulch of manure 

 or straw has given good results in dry hot weather. The 

 cauliflower takes about five months to mature from 

 seed. The seed may be sown thinly in a seed-bed, or sown 

 in the open field a few together at intervals of 2 feet, in 

 rows 3 feet apart. From l\ to 2^ ounces of seed may be 

 needed for an acre, when sown in a seed-bed. 



As a money crop for the southern United States, the 

 cauliflower can be recommended to all sections. It is 

 more difficult to raise than cabbage, and consequently 

 brings a larger profit to those who are able to grow it well. 

 It has been grown successfully in all sections of the lower 

 South, and thousands of acres are raised annually on Long 

 Island. By this it is seen that the difficulties connected 

 with raising it are not obstacles to average gardeners. 



Sowing seed of cauliflower. 



In sections where the temperature does not go below 

 18 F., cauliflower can be relied upon for February and 

 March delivery. If the crop is wanted for these months, 



