66 THE BOOK OF RARER VEGETABLES 
or in dry hot soils where the ordinary plants fail. It is 
useful as a vegetable in a boiled state and valuable for 
colouring purposes. It likes a light, rich soil, and ample 
space, 3 feet between the plants. We sow under glass in 
small pots and plant out early in June. It may also be 
sown in the open the middle of May, but sown under 
glass the plant gives earlier produce and at a time it is 
more valuable. It is best grown on the flat on a south 
border, and grown thus will give a supply till cut down 
by frost. 
