258 BRASSICACEOTIS PLANTS. 



THE CAULIFLOWER. 



Brassica oleracea var. 



The Cauliflower, like the Broccoli, is strictly an annual 

 plant, as it blossoms and perfects its seed the year in which it 

 is sown. When fully grown or in flower, it is about four feet 

 in height, and in character and general appearance is similar 

 to the Cabbage or Broccoli at a like stage of growth. The 

 seeds resemble those of the Cabbage in size, form, and color, 

 although not generally so uniformly plump and fair. From 

 ten to twelve thousand are contained in an ounce, and they 

 retain their germinative properties five years. 



Soil. The Cauliflower, like the Cabbage, requires a deep, 

 rich soil, and seldom succeeds well when grown on land long 

 under cultivation. Applications of lime and sulphur have a 

 beneficial effect, not only in preventing the ravages of insects, 

 but in promoting the growth of the plants. The best fer- 

 tilizers appear to be those of a saline character, and excellent 

 Cauliflowers have been produced by liberal applications of 

 kelp and sea- weed. Where these cannot be obtained, a good 

 substitute will be found in the use of common salt, which 

 may be sprinkled about the plant at the time of setting, or 

 applied from time to time in the process of cultivation. 



Sowing and Culture. The seed maybe sown in a hot- 

 bed in March, at the same time and in the same manner as 

 early cabbages, and the plants set in the open ground late 

 in May ; or the seed may be sown in the open air in April 

 or the beginning of May, in a common nursery-bed, in shal- 

 low drills six or eight inches apart ; and, when sufficiently 

 grown, the plants may be set where they are to remain. 

 They need not all be transplanted at one time ; nor is it 

 important when, except that, as soon as they are large 

 enough, the first opportunity should be improved for begin- 

 ning the setting. 



