XVII 

 CAULIFLOWER 



AT first thought, one might suppose that the 

 culture of cauliflower would be much like that of 

 brussels sprouts; but there are real differences 

 that must be considered, if we would succeed in 

 growing perfect heads. Instead of a lot of tiny 

 cabbages for each stalk, we have, as the result of 

 our labors, one head on a stalk. The harvest then 

 depends on the size and quality of these heads. 

 They are less strong of flavor than cabbage and 

 far more delicate and attractive. The cauliflowers 

 of New York state are mostly furnished by Long 

 Island. The moist air with the cool nights of 

 Long Island and the same climatic conditions in 

 the Great Lakes region and about Puget Sound 

 are especially favorable to the best growth of this 

 vegetable so dependent on climate for perfection 

 of growth. It is difficult to grow perfect cauli- 

 flower ; a moist river valley is preferable to a hill- 

 side and the humid climate of the coast to an in- 

 land garden. However, with intelligent persist- 

 ent care, good cauliflowers may be grown in any 

 home garden. 



It is vitally important at the outset to secure 



109 



