92 Subtropical Vegetable-Gardening 



may be transplanted to a plant-bed. They are set 4 

 by 4 inches. In six or eight weeks the plants are ready to 

 go to the field. Care must be exercised that they do not 

 remain in the coldframe too long, as leggy plants are 

 liable to "shoot up" to seed without making fine heads. 

 However, experiments have shown that transplanting 

 decreases the yield, and, if possible, it should be avoided. 



Soil and fertilizer for cauliflower. 



A rather loamy sandy soil, in a warm location, is pref- 

 erable for winter marketing; but for the late spring 

 market a heavier and cooler soil will give a larger yield. 

 Irrigation is of great value in dry seasons. The land 

 should be prepared deeply and thoroughly. If some 

 crop has been used for soiling, the material should be 

 plowed in early enough to incorporate it well with the soU 

 before planting time. The land should be fertilized 

 heavily as for cabbage. The following ingredients should 

 be used : ammonia, 6 per cent ; available phosphoric 

 acid, 7 per cent; potash, 8 per cent. Use about 1500 

 pounds of the above formula. For table of ingredients to 

 use for an acre, see Cabbage. The fertilizer should be 

 applied along the row, and worked in thoroughly. From 

 several days to two weeks should be allowed to pass be- 

 fore planting out. 



Setting out the plants. 



The rows should be made 2| to 3 feet apart and the 

 plants set 2 feet or so apart in the row. If rain does not 

 occur at the time, it will be necessary to water, for one 

 cannot wait for a rain, as with the cabbage, for the plants 



