BROCCOLI. 231 



duce about five thousand plants, although it contains nearly 

 twice that number of seeds. 



Sowing and Cultivation. In New England, as well as in 

 the Middle and Western States, the seeds of the later sorts 

 should be sown in March or April, in the manner of early 

 cabbages ; whilst the earlier varieties may be sown in the 

 open ground, from the middle to the last of May. If the 

 sowing be made in the open ground, prepare a small nursery- 

 bed not too directly exposed to the sun, and sow in shallow 

 drills six or eight inches apart. The last of June, or as 

 soon as the plants have attained sufficient size, transplant 

 them into soil that is well enriched, and has been deeply 

 stirred, setting them at the distance directed for the variety. 

 If possible the setting should be performed when the weather 

 is somewhat dull, for then the plants become sooner estab- 

 lished ; but, if planted out in dry weather, they should be 

 immediately and thoroughly watered. If the plants have 

 been started in a hot-bed, they should be set out at the time 

 of transplanting cabbages. 



The after-culture consists in hoeing frequently to keep the 

 ground loose and clean, and in earthing up slightly from time 

 to time about the stem. 



Some of the early varieties will be fit for use in Septem- 

 ber ; whilst the latter sorts, if properly treated, will supply 

 the table till spring. 



The difficulties attending the growing of Broccoli in this 

 country arise mainly from the extreme heat and dryness oF 

 the summer, and the intense cold of the winter. Whatever 

 will tend to counteract these will promote the growth of the 

 plants, and secure the development of large and well-formed 

 heads. 



" When the heads of White Broccoli are exposed to light, 

 and especially to the direct influence of the sun, the color is 

 soon changed to a dingy or yellowish hue. It is, therefore, 



