ENDIVE. 



147 



branching-: flowers solitary and violet in color: seeds flat, of 



medium size. The egg plant is little used in this section but 



can be grown to perfection in our hot, dry 



--^"^i&sSc^ summers. The seed must be sown, even ear- 



^JlyfXSk lier than tomato seeds, in the greenhouse 



or hotbed, but when only a few plants are 



wanted itwill be found best to buy the plants, 



as they require delicate handling. The 



plants are set in rows three by two feet apart 



Fig. 74 Egg Plant after the g round is wel1 warmed up, which is 

 seldom before the tenth of June. 

 The fruit attains marketable size by the last of August. 

 The plants are very liable to the attacks of the potato beetle. 

 The best variety is the New York purple. The variety known 

 as the Long Purple is somewhat earlier. 



ENDIVE. ( Cichorium Endivia. ) 



Native of the East India. — Annual. — Endive resembles the 

 dandelion in habit and growth. It is esteemed by some as a 

 desirable fall and winter 

 salad since it has a pleas- 

 ant bitter taste when 

 blanched. It is of very 

 simple culture and may be 

 grown in much the same 

 manner as lettuce. For 

 summer use, sow the seed 

 early in the spring: for 

 autumn and winter use, 

 sow in July. It is blanched 

 before being eaten. This 

 is accomplished by tying 

 the leaves lightly together 

 when the plants have near- 

 ly completed their growth. 

 After this treatment, the leaves in the center of the plant will 

 have become blanched in about three weeks. Do not tie the 

 plants too rapidly, since the hearts are liable to rot soon 

 after blanching, especially if the weather is warm. On the 

 approach of severe weather, the plants may be planted in 



Fig. 75. Curled Endive. 



