46 



Perennial Crops 



into a dark receptacle, as into a box inverted over the 

 crown. Sea-kale may be forced after' the manner of 

 rhubarb. Fig. 14 shows the characteristic young growth 

 at the edible stage. 



After the early spring shoots are removed, the plant is 

 allowed to grow as it will for the remainder of the season 

 for, as in asparagus and rhubarb, the 

 vigor of the young shoots of any season 

 depend, to a large extent, on the vigor and 

 energy of the plant in the preceding year. 

 The soil should be deep and rich, and 

 rather moist. An autumn top dressing is 

 beneficial. 



Propagation is simple either by root- 

 cuttings or seeds. Vigorous roots are cut 

 into pieces 4 or 5 inches long and planted 

 directly in the field in spring. If the land 

 is strong, some of the shoots may be 

 blanched the following spring, but it is 

 better to wait till the second spring. 

 Seeds (which are really 1-seeded fruits 

 and planted unshelled. Fig. 15) are usu- 

 ally sown about 1 inch deep, in seed- 

 beds, the young plants being thinned to 

 5 or 6 inches. The seedlings are trans- 

 planted to permanent quarters the next spring, when one 

 year old. 



The Sea-Kale Plant 

 Crambe. About 20 species, mostly native in Europe and 

 Asia, none in North America, annual and perennial herbs; 

 CruciferiB or Mustard Family. 



15. S e e d - p d s' 

 (known In the 

 trade as seeds) of 

 Bea-kale (X 1/8). 



