The Canadian HoKTictM.irKisi. 239 



THE CAULIFLOWER. 



N the cultivation of the cauliflower everything depends on keeping up a 

 f steady vigorous growth, for if the plants are checked in their growth, 

 they are liable either to form small heads prematurely, or to continue 

 their growth so late as to fail to head at all. Level cultivation is usually 

 ^ practised, the same as in ordinary field crops. Drawing the earth to 

 the stems, as sometimes recommended and practiced abroad, is un- 

 necessary, though with tall growing varieties it serves a useful purpose 

 in preventing the plants be.ng blown over by the wind. Cultivation should con- 

 tinue until the leaves are so large that they are liable to be broken off, or until 

 the plants are nearly ready to head. The application of a mulch of manure or 

 litter at the time cultivation ceases, is an excellent practice, though seldom re- 

 sorted to. It is important that deep cultivation should cease at the right time, 

 even if the hoe has to be used afterward. The crop may be seriously injured, 

 or at least delayed, by cultivation after the plants begin to head. At this time 

 the ground should be undisturbed so that the roots may occupy the entire soil. 

 Dry weather, and the compact nature of the soil after cultivation ceases, check 

 the growth of the plants, and promote the formation of heads, providing the 

 plants have attained a proper age and size. The influence of a firm soil in pro- 

 moting heading is also seen in the success with which the cauliflower can 

 frequently be grown after peas or other early crops. In autumn the first sharp 

 frosts appear to be particularly efficacious in starting the plants to heading. 



Irrigation. — After heading has commenced is the time when irrigation is 

 most needed. An abundance of water at this time will aid greatly, both as to 

 the quantity and quality of the product, particularly if some fertilizer is added at 

 the same time. Irrigation is not often practised in this country, except in the 

 arid districts of the West, and, occasionally, with the early crop, near a few of our 

 cities. In Europe, where labor is cheap, it is often resorted to, even where the 

 water has to be carried by hand. Early in the season, if irrigation is needed, 

 once a week is frequent enough to apply the water, but while the plants are head, 

 jng it may be applied with advantage every day if the weather is dry. 



Blanching the Heads. — The value of cauliflowers for use or market de- 

 pends almost entirely on their being white and tender. To have them remain 

 in this condition until fully matured, they must be protected from the sun. 

 Heads which are left exposed become yellow in color, or even brownish purple, 

 if the sun is very hot. Such heads also acquire a strong, disagreeable flavor. 



There are various ways of covering the heads, but it is nearly always done 

 with the leaves of the plant. Early in the season, when the weather is dry and 

 warm, the work may be done during the heat of the day by lapping the leaves, 

 one after another, over the head until it is sufficiently covered, tucking the last 



