292 GARDENING FOE THE SOUTH. 



BROCCOLI. — (Brassica oleracca, var. Botrytis asparagoides.) 



This is a cultivated variety of the cabbage resembling 

 cauliflower, from which it differs iu its undulating leaves, 

 its larger size, and the color of some of its varieties. 



It is supposed to have originated from the cauliflower; 

 it is a hardier plant, but not so delicate in flavor. It has 

 been cultivated about two hundred years, and was intro- 

 duced into England from Italy. Broccoli is raised more 

 easily than cauliflower. The Early Purple Cape broccoli, 

 producing largo, brownish heads, very close and compact, 

 is the best of over forty sorts. 



It requires the same special manures as cabbage and 

 cauliflower, and for cultivation sow, transplant, and man- 

 age like late cauliflower. To protect from insects see 

 Cabbage. 



I st. — The same as cauliflower, to which it is inferior, 

 and where that succeeds will hardly be worthy of culture. 



Marketing. — Cut off most of the leaves around the 

 head and pack in vegetable crates. 



BRUSSELS SPROUTS. 



(Brassica oleracca, car. tullata gemmifera.) 

 This plant is a hardy variety of the Savoy cabbage, 

 producing an elongated stem, often four feet high and 

 crowned with leaves similar to the Savoy. Small, green 

 heads like cabbages spring from the axils of the stem 

 leaves, which, dropping off, leave the little heads ar- 

 ranged spirally around the stem as the plant proceeds in 

 growth. Brussels Sprouts are raised from seed, which 

 may be sown in April. Set the plants in rows two feet 

 by one and a half feet apart, and treat in all respects as 

 directed, for winter cabbage. Cut off the leaves at the 

 top of the stem some ten days or a fortnight before the 

 little heads are gathered, and use for greens. 



It will stand the winters without protection south of 



