CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 349 



July. Northward, May is not too soon. Kale seed is 

 imported from England and Holland. It is sown in rows 

 spaced to permit horse tillage. The plants are thinned 

 to stand 8 to 15 inches apart according to variety. The 

 seed need not be covered with more than an inch of 

 moist soil. 



480. Marketing. — The tender leaves, which are im- 

 proved by freezing, may be gathered at intervals, or the 

 entire crop cut at one time. They are shipped in light, 

 ventilated barrels or in hampers. Prices vary from 75 

 cents to $2 a barrel. Kale is a profitable crop in the 

 Norfolk district. 



KOHL-RABI (Brassica oleracea caulorapa) 



481. Importance. — This vegetable is often called the 

 Turnip-Rooted cabbage. It is closely related to the cab- 

 bage and just as easily grown. The stem, which is the 

 edible part, is greatly enlarged immediately above 

 ground. It is not as generally known nor as popular 

 as it should be. When cooked before the flesh becomes 



"woody, it is superior to the turnip in edibility. The 

 early crop is especially delicious. 



482. Varieties. — Green Vienna, Earliest Erfurt, White 

 Vienna and Purple Vienna are the leading varieties. 



483. Culture. — The early varieties are often forced in 

 cold frames and a much earlier crop may be procured in 

 the open by starting the plants under glass, and trans- 

 planting i^ inches apart each way before setting in the 

 field. Some growers prefer to sow in hotbeds or cold 

 frames, transplanting in the field where the crop is to 

 mature. The plants require the same general treatment 

 as cabbage. 



It is customary to space about 8 inches apart in the 

 row and to allow sufficient space between rows for cul- 

 tivating with either hand wheel hoes or horse cultivators. 



