CAULIFLOWER 



CHAPTER XXXII 



CAULIFLOWER 

 Watering and Feeding — Varieties 



CAULIFLOWER requires exactly the same treatment as Lettuce in regard 

 to temperature and solid beds, but it will be decidedly improved by 

 a heavier soil. If grown in a soil tiiat is in any way light, the heads 

 will be light, and the plants are also likely to be troubled with clubroot; when 

 this once sets in it is difficult to overcome, and, in any case, it limits the produce 

 to very small heads, or what are termed " buttons," not worthy the name of 

 Cauliflower. The soil should be a fairly heavy loam, with good drainage, and 

 well enriched with thoroughly decayed farmyard manure. During the season 

 of growth the plants should be well fed with food rich in nitrogen. I do not 

 know of any vegetable that is more improved by nitrate of soda than the Cauli- 

 flower. Give a couple of applications, the last just as the plants begin to head 

 up. Nitrate of soda seems to impart color and vigor, with extra weight of head, 

 provided there are other stimulants in the soil agreeable to a steady growth. 



Cauliflower under glass proves a successful crop, if planted in a good, rich 

 loam, as there is no disease to trouble it, with the exception of clubroot, brought 

 about by too light a soil or a check. As a preventive against green fly the plants 

 may be liberally sprayed at any time; plentiful moisture in the foliage is more- 

 over beneficial. Under these conditions the grower need not worry over insect 

 life. 



This vegetable grown under glass is an immense improvement on the outdoor 

 product, and it is all the more appreciated for coming along during the short 

 days. It should appeal to all private establishments as a Winter forcing vege- 

 table. While it may be held over quite a while in frames after the frost has 

 cut down the outdoor supply, yet there should be pro\ision for at least one or 

 two crops in the vegetable house. 



In making preparations for Winter Cauliflower, one important item should 

 be borne in mind, namely, that from the time the seed is sown until the crop 

 is ready for gathering, it must not receive a check, either by want of water or 

 lack of anything else necessary for its growth. This holds good particularly 

 in the early stages, so as to avoid premature heading, for such a crop is small 

 and of poor quality and practically worthless. It is not advisable to make too 

 early a start, or to plant in the house until the nights have become fairly cool. 



