CAULIFLOWER

Brassica oleracea botrytis cauliflora



This fine vegetable is managed in much the same way as Broccoli, and it

requires similar conditions. But it is less hardy in constitution, more

elegant in appearance, more delicate on the table, and needs greater

care in cultivation to insure satisfactory results. As regards soil, the

Cauliflower thrives best on very rich ground of medium texture. It will

also do well on light land, if heavily manured, and quick growth is

promoted by abundant watering. In Holland, Cauliflowers are grown in

sand with water at the depth of a foot only below the surface, and the

ground is prepared by liberal dressings of cow-manure, which, with the

moisture rising from below, promotes a quick growth and a fine quality.

In any case, good cultivation is necessary or the crop will be

worthless; and whatever may be the nature of the soil, it must be well

broken up and liberally manured.



In gardens where Cauliflower are in great demand, an unbroken supply of

heads from May to November may be obtained by selecting suitable

varieties and with careful management of the crop. 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.



For Spring and Early Summer use.--To have Cauliflower in perfection in

spring and early summer, seed should be sown in autumn. The exact time

is a question of climate. In the northern counties the middle of August

is none too early, but for the south seed may be got in during August

and September, according to local conditions. The most satisfactory

course is to sow in boxes, placed in a cool greenhouse or a cold frame,

or even in a sheltered spot out of doors. For these sowings it is

desirable to use poor soil of a calcareous nature, as at this period of

the year the seedlings are liable to damp off in rich earth. From the

commencement every endeavour must be made to keep the growth sturdy and

to avoid a check of any kind. When the plants have made some progress,

prick them off three inches apart each way into frames for the winter.

No elaborate appliances are necessary. A suitable frame may be easily

constructed by erecting wooden sides around a prepared bed of soil, over

which lights, window frames, or even a canvas covering may be placed.

Brick pits, or frames made with turf walls, will also answer well. The

soil should not be rich, or undesirable fleshy growth will result,

especially in a mild winter. It is important to ventilate freely at all

times, except during severe weather when the structures should have the

protection of mats or straw, and excessive moisture must be guarded

against. As soon as conditions are favourable in February or March,

transfer the plants to open quarters on the best land at command, and

give them every possible care. For these early-maturing varieties a

space of eighteen inches apart each way will generally suffice. With

liberal treatment, vigorous healthy growth should be made and heads of

the finest quality be ready for table from May onwards.



As we have already said, the best results with early Cauliflower are

obtained from an autumn sowing, but there are many growers who prefer to

sow in January or February. At this season the seed should be started in

pans or boxes placed in a house just sufficiently heated to exclude

frost. Prick out the plants early, in a frame or on a protected border

made up with light rich soil, and when strong enough plant out on good

ground. Spring sowings put out on poor land, or in dry seasons, are

sometimes disappointing, because the heads are too small to please the

majority of growers. Where, however, the soil is rich and the district

suitable there is this advantage in quick cultivation, that while time

is shortened and the worry of wintering is avoided, the crop is safer

against buttoning and bolting, which will occasionally occur if the

plants become too forward under glass and receive a check when planted

out.



In well-prepared sheltered ground seed may also 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. If the plants turn in during very hot weather, snap one of the

inner leaves without breaking it off, and bend it over to protect the

head.



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. If the plants are allowed to become somewhat large in

the seed-bed they are liable to 'button,' which means that small,

worthless heads will be produced as the 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 two and 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.





Cutting and Preserving.--The management of the crop has been treated

so far as to growth, but we must now say a word about its appropriation.

The two points for practical consideration are, how to economise a glut,

and how to avoid destruction by frost. Cauliflowers should be cut at

daybreak, or as soon after as possible, and be taken from the ground

with the dew upon them. If cut after the dew has evaporated, the heads

will be inferior by several degrees as compared with those cut at the

dawn of the day. When the heads appear at too rapid a rate for immediate

consumption, draw the plants, allowing the earth to remain attached to

the roots, and suspend them head downwards in a cool, dark, dry place,

and every evening give them a light shower of water from a syringe. The

deterioration will be but trifling, and the gain may be considerable,

but if left to battle with a burning sun the Cauliflowers will certainly

be the worse for it. After being kept in this way for a week, they will

still be good, although, like other preserved vegetables, they will not

be so good as those freshly cut and in their prime. It often happens

that frost occurs before the crop is finished. A similar plan of

preserving those that are turning in may be adopted, but it is better to

bury them in sand in a shed or under a wall, and, if kept dry, they may

remain sound for a month or more.



Cauliflower for Exhibition.--On the exhibition stage few vegetables

win greater admiration than well-grown heads of Cauliflower. Indeed,

Cauliflower and Broccoli, in their respective seasons, are indispensable

items in the composition of any first-class collection. By closely

following the cultural directions contained in the foregoing pages no

difficulty should be experienced in obtaining heads of the finest

texture and spotless purity during many months of the year. The degree

of success achieved is generally in proportion to the amount of

attention devoted to minor details. Select the most robust plants and

treat them generously. As soon as the heads are formed, examine them

frequently to prevent disfiguration by vermin. The best period of the

day for cutting has already been discussed. Do not allow the heads to

stand a day longer than is necessary, and if not wanted immediately the

plants should be lifted and preserved in the manner described in the

preceding paragraph.