CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 341 



is a simple matter. The fruits should be allowed to 

 ripen thoroughly on the plants before removing the seeds. 

 Separation and cleaning are readily effected by means 

 of fermentation to loosen the pulp, followed by washing 

 and screening. 



454. Starting early plants. In nearly all parts of the 

 country, glass or other protection is given when starting 

 the plants. In the North, the sowings are always made 

 in greenhouses or hotbeds, while in the South, cloth or 

 glass-covered cold frames are used, especially in starting 

 early plants. The aim should be to grow a strong, 

 stocky, hardened plant ready for the field at the desired 

 time. In the North there are few sections where field 

 planting should occur before June I. To grow plants of 

 the proper size by this date, the seeds need not be sown 

 before March 10. Many successful growers prefer to 

 sow later than this. 



A temperature of not less than 65 degrees should be 

 provided for germination, and from 65 to 75 should be 

 maintained until the plants are set in the open ground. 

 The seedlings require considerably more heat than toma- 

 toes and somewhat more than peppers. If hotbeds are 

 used it is often necessary to make up two beds, one for 

 the germination of the seeds and the other for the care 

 of the plants after they have been pricked from the seed 

 bed. It is difficult to supply an excess of heat either in 

 hotbeds or greenhouses. Too much care cannot be ex- 

 ercised to encourage a steady, unchecked growth. Stunt- 

 ing the plants at any period will cause the hardening of 

 the tissues, resulting in a decreased yield of smaller 

 fruits. 



An excellent plan is to make several shifts. The plants 

 may first be set in flats, the seedlings spaced 2 inches 

 apart each way. Later they may be set in 3-inch pots, 

 and finally transferred to 5 or 6-inch pots. When planted 

 in the field there will be no check in growth and the 



