THE CABBAGE 183 



California cauliflower is chiefly shipped to distant markets 

 from November to February the length of the season being de- 

 termined by the character of the rainy season, which if very wet 

 may put the late crop out of shipping condition ; also by the sup- 

 plies available from Florida, etc. 



Although the state is so well suited to produce all the plants of 

 the cabbage family, the common cabbage is the only one which is 

 widely grown by small growers for home supplies. It is the hardi- 

 est of the group under neglect or drought, it is true, but there is 

 not so much difference as some imagine. The cauliflower has, for 

 instance, the reputation of being hard to grow, but there is really 

 no difficulty about it if proper effort is made, as will be described 

 later. 



THE CABBAGE. 



The cabbage can be grown everywhere in California by select- 

 ing that season of the year which furnishes the adequate moisture 

 and moderate temperature which best suits its nature. These re- 

 quirements adapt it well to winter growth generally in California 

 except in the frostiest places, and give the plant a longer season 

 and a greater attainment in weight in regions of rich soils open to 

 coast influences. It does not resent fogs and cold winds, and thrives 

 directly upon the coast as well as in coast valleys. In the interior 

 it reaches its best estate on bottom lands, but will succeed on plains 

 and uplands with enough moisture by irrigation to supplement the 

 rainfall, but without irrigation it is often disappointing even though 

 it be started early enough. Cabbage is sometimes a very profitable 

 winter crop in young orchards in southern California. 



Soil. The cabbage does well on heavy soil, and it does not 

 object to alkali if it is not too strong. It delights in copious treat- 

 ment with stable manures. For quick fall growth, for early win- 

 ter maturity, such soil, if moist enough by rainfall or irrigation, 

 will bring it along rapidly while the autumn heat is ample. For 

 later fall planting to reach early spring maturity, a warmer, lighter, 

 well-drained soil or a raised bed will push full growth in a month 

 or six weeks less time than heavy soil in a rainy region, which is 

 likely to be cold and water-soaked. But the cabbage sometimes 

 repays great kindness by growth to bursting or cracking of the 

 head. Care should be had against over-growth for this reason. 

 Cracking can be prevented by giving heads which threaten it a pull, 



