38 THE SEED-GROWER. 



light, sandy soil, but a moist, saline atmosphere ap- 

 pears to be necessary for the successful development of 

 the flower or head. This statement, however, will bear 

 contradiction, when it is considered that cauliflower 

 superior to most of what is produced on the Atlantic 

 side, is successfully grown in the dry atmosphere of 

 California. 



For a seed-crop, being provided with choice stock- 

 seed, make sowing, in the northern Atlantic section, in 

 July, and in autumn store the partially formed heads 

 with their roots entire, over winter in a trench, a vacant 

 cold frame, or in a cellar packed closely together with 

 soil. In spring, set them out and cultivate, harvest, 

 etc. , same as for a crop of cabbage. 



On the Pacific coast, along Puget Sound, there are 

 two methods in practice. Some growers sow seed in 

 hotbeds early in February; then as soon as plants are 

 large enough they are transferred to cold frames, in 

 which they are allowed to remain until about May 1st, 

 or until plants are large enough and the weather is 

 favorable, when they are transplanted to open field, in 

 rows 4 feet apart, 3 feet in the row. Other growers 

 sow seed in the fall, about September 1st, wintering 

 their plants in cold frames; and as soon as weather con- 

 ditions will warrant it next spring, say April 1st, plants 

 are set out in the open field. By either method, seed 

 ripens in October. 



In northern Europe the practice is to sow seed for a 

 seed-crop in cold frame early in September. Early in 

 the following spring the plants are transferred to hot 

 beds for the purpose of starting them into growth. As 

 spring advances, they are again transplanted, this time 

 to the open field, in 'rich, loose soil. Seed ripens early 

 in fall, when the stalks are cut and hung up in an airy 



