(Choufleur. Blumen Kohl.

No. 409. - The Cauliflower, like Brocoli, is an animal plant, being delicious in flavor. It requires a cool, moist atmosphere to bring it to perfection, and if this condition occurs when the plant is about to head, fine large heads will result, whereas, if the air is hot and dry, failure will result in spite of the best of seeds and cultivation. Brocoli is a species of Cauliflower, and both are prepared in the same style. See Brocoli, Article XXIII.

Culture

No. 410. - For the spring or summer crop, sow the early varieties, about the last of winter, in hot-beds, and transplant them into the open air as soon as the ground can be worked. For the late autumn crop, sow the late varieties about the middle of spring, and transplant them as you would winter cabbages. In dry weather water them freely, and as they advance in growth hoe deep and draw earth to the stems. After they begin to head they should be watered every other day. In two or three weeks the strongest will begin to form flower heads, which should be cut for use while the curd is close and compact. It is then tender and delicious, but later on the head opens and separates into branches and soon becomes coarse, fibrous, strongly flavored, and unfit for use. The leaves should be gathered and tied loosely over the tops of the heads to facilitate blanching. On the approach of frost, those plants that have not headed may be set out in a cellar and can be aired in mild weather.

Early Snowball

No. 411. - This is the earliest of all Cauliflowers. Its heads measure from 8 to 9 inches in diameter. Every plant forms a fine head. Its dwarf habit and short interleaves allow it to be planted as close as 18 inches apart each way. This variety does equally well for late planting.

Early Dwarf Erfurt

No. 412. - An early dwarf variety, having large white compact heads of the finest quality.

Early Paris

No. 413. - An excellent variety.

Nonpareil

No. 414, - A half early variety and one of the best.

Early London

No. 415. - An excellent and very early variety.

Lenormand Short Stemmed

No. 416. - A large late variety, with well-formed heads of superior quality.

Walcheren

No. 417. - An old and favorite variety.

Algiers

No. 418. - An excellent late variety, in general favor.

Weith's Autumn Giant

No. 419. - A valuable late variety, particularly in the Southern States and California.

How To Prepare Cauliflower For Cooking

No. 420. - Cut the root close to the stem, then trim off all of the leaves and wash them carefully in cold water, as there are often some insects among the stems and buds.

Cauliflower, With Butter Sauce

No. 421. - Wash and trim them as in No. 420. Put them in a saucepan with enough water to cover them, and add a little salt when they boil. Let them cook slowly, adding a little milk and a piece of butter. When cooked, drain them on a napkin and be careful not to break the flowered buds. Serve on a napkin, with Butter sauce separate.