CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
341 
itj a simple matter. The fruits should be allowed to 
ripen thoroughly on the plants before removing the seeds. 
Separation and cleaning are readily effected by means 
of fermentation to loosen the pulp, followed by washing 
and screening. 
454. Starting early plants. — In nearly all parts of the 
country, glass or other protection is given when starting 
the plants. In the North, the sowings are always made 
in greenhouses or hotbeds, while in the South, cloth or 
glass-covered cold frames are used, especially in starting 
early plants. The aim should be to grow a strong, 
stocky, hardened plant ready for the field at the desired 
time. In the North there are few sections where field 
planting should occur before June I. To grow plants of 
the proper size by this date, the seeds need not be sown 
before March 10. Many successful growers prefer to 
sow later than this. 
A temperature of not less than 65 degrees should be 
provided for germination, and from 65 to 75 should be 
maintained until the plants are set in the open ground. 
The seedlings require considerably more heat than toma- 
toes and somewhat more than peppers. If hotbeds are 
used it is often necessary to make up two beds, one for 
the germination of the seeds and the other for the care 
of the plants after they have been pricked from the seed 
bed. It is difficult to supply an excess of heat either in 
hotbeds or greenhouses. Too much care cannot be ex- 
ercised to encourage a steady, unchecked growth. Stunt- 
ing the plants at any period will cause the hardening of 
the tissues, resulting in a decreased yield of smaller 
fruits. 
An excellent plan is to make several shifts. The plants 
may first be set in flats, the seedlings spaced 2 inches 
apart each way. Later they may be set in 3-inch pots, 
and finally transferred to 5 or 6-inch pots. When planted 
in the field there will be no check in growth and the 
