CAULIFLOWER. 
(Brassica oleracea botrytis cauliflora.) French, Chou-fleur, 
CULTURAL NOTES. 
By selecting suitable varieties, and with careful management, an unbroken 
supply of Cauliflower may be obtained from May to November, but in 
arranging for a succession it should be borne in mind that some varieties 
are specially adapted for producing heads in spring and summer, while 
others are only suitable for use in late summer and autumn. 
Soil, and Preparation. The Cauliflower thrives best on very rich 
soil of medium texture. Good heads may also be obtained on light land, 
if heavily manured, and quick growth is promoted by abundant watering. 
But in any case deep cultivation of the soil is necessary in order to conserve 
moisture in dry weather, for Cauliflower quickly suffers from the effects of 
drought and the plants do not readily recover from a severe check. 
For Spring and Early Summer use. To have heads in perfec- 
tion in spring and early summer, August and September are the best months 
for sowing. In the northern 
counties the middle of August 
is none too early. The most 
satisfactory method is to sow 
in shallow ~boxes, using 
poor soil of a calcareous 
nature, as at this period of 
the year the seedlings are 
liable to damp off in rich 
earth. Place the boxes in a 
cool greenhouse or a cold 
frame, or even out of doors 
in a sheltered spot, and keep 
growth sturdy. When large 
enough, prick off the plants three inches apart each way into frames 
for the winter. (See accompanying illustration, figure 2.) No elaborate 

COPYRIGHT S. & 5, 
A simple frame for protecting Cauliflower 
during winter. 
appliances are necessary. A frame may easily be made by erecting wouden 
sides (see figure 1) around a prepared bed (figure 3) over which lights, 
window frames, or even a canvas covering may be placed. Ventilate freely 
at all times, except during severe weather, and guard against excessive 
moisture. Transfer to the open ground as soon as conditions are favourable 
in February or March. Space the rows about two feet apart and allow 
the plants to stand at eighteen inches in the rows. With liberal treat- 
ment, vigorous healthy growth should then be made and heads of the 
finest quality be ready for table from May onwards. Sowings may also 
be made during January or February, in boxes placed in a house just 
sufficiently heated to exclude frost. From these boxes prick off the plants 
early into a cool frame, and when strong enough put out on good land. 
On a well-prepared sheltered border seed may be sown in March and 
April, from which the plants should be pricked out once before being 
transferred to permanent positions. Occasional hoeing between the 
_plants and heavy watering in dry weather will materially tend to 
their well-doing, the object being to maintain growth from the first 
without a check. 
For use in Late Summer and Autumn. Seed may be sown 
in April or very early in May, and where only one sowing is made the first 
week of April should be selected. A fine seed-bed in a sheltered spot is 
desirable, and as soon as the seedlings are large enough they should be 
pricked out, three inches or so apart. Shift to final quarters while in a 
smallish state, for if the plants become somewhat large they will be lable 
to ‘button’ as a result of an untimely check. The distances between the 
plants may vary from one and a half to two feet or more, and between the 
rows from two to twoand a half feet, according to the size of the variety. 
If put out on good ground, the crop will almost take care of itself, but 
should the plants need water it must be copiously given. 
Full details on the culture of Vegetables are contained in Sutton’s Book on Gardening, Fifteenth edition, price 10s. 6d. net. 
Sutton’s First Crop. 
The value of a quick-growing Cauliflower is universally 
recognised, and this superb little variety, with its dwarf compact habit and small 
number of leaves, is an ideal Cauliflower for forcing. It succeeds best from a 
September sowing, wintering the plants under glass and transferring to the open in 
spring. Choice heads may also be obtained from sowings made in heat in January 
and February, if planted out on a deep rich moist soil. Sutton’s First Crop is the 
earliest Cauliflower in cultivation, and with generous treatment heads of the finest 

COPYRIGHT S. &S, 
SUTTON’S FIRST CROP. 
firm heads. 
(Illustrated) 

COPYRIGHT S$, &S, 
SUTTON’S PURITY. 
quality may be ensured when grown under the conditions named. 
‘First Crop Cauliflower was a pronounced success here. 
frame and planting out at the end of March, the heads formed an admirable succession to your 
Late Queen Broccoli.’—Mr. F, W. MILES, Gardener to A. E. CUMBERBATCH, Esq. 
Sutton’s Magnum Bonum. 
Sutton’s Purity. 
heads remain in prime condition—longer, in fact, than those of any other early or 
mid-season variety. 
ready for cutting about the same time as our Magnum Bonum. 
Sutton’s White Queen. 
a most beautiful white head, in size equal to the best autumn Cauliflowers; ready for 
use almost, if not quite, as early in the season as our Magnum Bonum and 
Stands drought well. 
(Illustrated) 
per packet, ls. 6d. and 2s. 6d. 
By wintering the plants in a cold 
Unsurpassed for the spotless purity of its close 
Sowings may be made in heat during January and February, and again 
in March and April. 
and transplanting in February or March. Very largely grown as a succession to 
Sutton’s First Crop. 
The best results, however, are obtained by sowing in September 
Awarded X X X, R.H.S., 1909 ... per packet, 1s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. 
‘I have to-day (June 11) cut splendid heads of your Magnum Bonum Cauliflower from a 
sowing made on February 5. 
good form and excellent flavour.'—Mr. W. GRIFFITHS, Gardener to Mrs. COWAN. . 
I consider it one of the best varieties for early use, the heads being of 
This fine Cauliflower has a specia] value for the long time the 
The heads are large, close, of the choicest quality, and come 
The recommenda- 
tions for sowing made under Sutton’s Magnum Bonum apply also to this variety. 
... per packet, 1s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. 
In habit the plant is, dwarf, compact, and produces 
Purity. 
Sow in spring or autumn. (lllustrated, page 37) 
per packet, 1s. and 1s. 6d.; ounce, 3s. 6d. 

SUTTON & SONS, Seed Growers and Merchants, READING, ENGLAND. 
36 
