118 COOL SEASON VEGETABLES 



are on some plants and the pistillate flowers on others. The 

 staminate plants are preferable because no strength is lost in 

 producing seeds. A heavy application of manure is given in the 

 fall and winter after the tops have been mowed and removed. 

 The manure is allowed to remain until after cutting season is over. 

 Beds should remain undisturbed for many years. If properly 

 manured and cultivated they will continue to increase the amount 

 of cutting furnished each year. 



Asparagus rust is a serious disease of this plant which sometimes 

 destroys the crop in certain sections. Thus far the best remedy is 

 to propagate from plants which are immune to the disease. Although 

 spraying with Bordeaux mixture will help control the rust, efforts 

 by this method are not considered economical. 



Globe Artichoke. — The edible portion of the globe artichoke is 

 the undeveloped flower bud. These buds are. sold in the large 

 markets. They are cooked in somewhat the same way as aspar- 

 agus, being served with cream or other dressing. The crop is 

 propagated largely by seeds sown under glass in hotbeds or cold- 

 frames. Plants started in February or March may be transplanted 

 to tne open garden in two months. Rich black soil is preferred. 

 They are set three or four feet apart each way, and should be given 

 clean tillage. The plants will yield some buds the first year if 

 started in very early spring. 



The crop is chiefly grown in regions where the winter is not 

 severe. During cold winters the plants should be covered with 

 soil or coarse litter, as the stem must live over winter. 



Many side shoots or suckers start from the plants each spring, 

 and these are sometimes used to start new plants. A portion of 

 the cluster of flower buds should be taken with each shoot. Plant 

 the crop at one side of the garden along with other perennials, as the 

 plants will live for three or four years. 



Sea Kale. — This is another crop which is used as a substitute 

 for asparagus. The succulent leaf stalks are cooked in much the 

 same way. The crop is even earlier in its spring growth. The 

 plants are propagated either from seeds or from cuttings. They 

 are set in rows three or four inches apart with the plants about 

 two feet apart in the rows. No leaves should be cut until the 

 plants are two or three years old. As in the case of rhubarb the 

 seed stalks should be cut to prevent taking the strength of the 

 plants. Heavy applications of manure should be made each fall 

 to aid in producing strong, succulent growth. As the stems are to 



