EARLY CAULIFLOWER 



121 



ture are right. It belongs in regions where the atmosphere is 

 humid and the nights are cool, and succeeds especially well near 

 large bodies of water. In the South it thrives as a winter crop 

 and in some parts of the North may be grown in summer. In the 

 interior regions of the central states it is even harder to grow than 

 head lettuce, since it requires a longer period to complete its 

 development and is fully as sensitive to heat and drought. How- 

 ever, with proper care, it is possible to produce early cauliflower 

 most seasons even in the corn belt fFig. 72). 



The plants are grown the same as the early cabbage plants 

 (Fig. 73), but the seed should be planted a week earlier, since the 



o. — A ilat of Wfll-Kruwii cauliilinver plants ready for transplanting. 



growth is slower, and large, vigorous plants are wanted. Special 

 care should be taken to have the plants thoroughly hardened-off 

 before they are transplanted into the open. Otherwise they are 

 likely to become stunted, and never produce satisfactory heads. 

 The plants should be set in the field the same time as early cab- 

 bage. Plenty of space should be allowed between the plants in 

 order that each may be able to secure moisture from a considerable 

 area. Two by three feet is as close as the plants should usually be 

 set. Thorough and frequent tillage should also be given to assist 

 in retaining moisture in the soil. Watering with liquid manure 

 when the plants begin to head is sometimes advised. 



