CAULIFLOWER 113 



tivated type of growth. These buttons are tough 

 and bitter and green, useless as food. Care is es- 

 pecially needed to prevent this difficulty. As soon 

 as the heads are l 1 /^ inches in diameter, begin to 

 protect them from the heat and sunshine. The 

 heat causes the buttons and the bright sunshine 

 turns the growing heads green. To cool and shade 

 the forming buds, a few of the top leaves are par- 

 tially broken and bent over the plant. They may 

 then be pinned together with tooth-picks to keep 

 them in place. Sometimes, instead of breaking 

 the leaves, tie them together over the plant. Either 

 plan will do so long as the young buds are kept 

 shaded well while developing. Even though com- 

 pact heads should form, uncovered, the heat and 

 sunshine are sure to render them coarse and tough 

 and dark colored and bitter. Sun-burn spoils the 

 heads. Covering them is like blanching; it pro- 

 duces a creamy white color and a delicate flavor. 

 Be sure to provide plenty of water and keep the 

 soil stirred. 



Little attention need be given to protection 

 against disease and live enemies. Tobacco takes 

 care of cutworms; a good hosing will drive off 

 the lice and the worms and cool the plants. Little 

 care will be needed in that direction. 



To succeed with cauliflower, the gardener needs 

 simply to have first-class seed; uniform growth 

 to produce sturdy plants; careful patient atten- 

 tion to keep the plants cool and moist and shaded 



