The Field and Garden Vegetables of America Part 42

Bra.s.sica oleracea var.

In its structure and general habit, the Broccoli resembles the Cauliflower. Between these vegetables the marks of distinction are so obscurely defined, that some of the white varieties of Broccoli appear to be identical with the Cauliflower. Botanists divide them as follows:--

"The Cauliflower has generally a short stalk, and white-ribbed, oblong leaves. The stem by which the flower is supported unites at the head of the primary branches into thick, short, irregular bundles, in the form of a corymb. It appears to be a degeneration of the _Bra.s.sica oleracea costata_, or Portugal Cabbage.

"In the Broccoli, the stalk is more elevated; the leaf-nerves less prominent; the pedicles, or stems, connected with and supporting the flower, or head, less thick and close. They are also longer; so that, on becoming fleshy, they resemble in shape the young shoots of asparagus: hence the name of 'Asparagoides,' given by ancient botanists to Broccoli. It seems to be a degeneration of the 'Chou cavalier,' or tall, open Cabbage.

"Cultivation, by improving the finer kinds of white Broccolis, is narrowing the distinctive marks: but, although so nearly alike, they must ever remain really distinct, inasmuch as they derive their origin from two very distinct types; viz., the Portugal Cabbage and the Tall Curled Kale. The Cauliflower also originated in the south of Europe, and the Broccoli in the north of Europe, either in Germany or Britain."

_Seed._--Broccoli-seeds are rarely raised in this country; most of the supply being received from France or England. In size, form, and color, they are similar to those of the Cabbage or Cauliflower. An ounce may be calculated to produce about five thousand plants, although it contains nearly twice that number of seeds.

_Sowing and Cultivation._--In New England, as well as in the Middle and Western States, the seeds of the later sorts should be sown in March or April, in the manner of early cabbages; whilst the earlier varieties may be sown in the open ground, from the middle to the last of May. If the sowing be made in the open ground, prepare a small nursery-bed not too directly exposed to the sun, and sow in shallow drills six or eight inches apart. The last of June, or as soon as the plants have attained sufficient size, transplant them into soil that is well enriched, and has been deeply stirred; setting them at the distance directed for the variety. If possible, the setting should be performed when the weather is somewhat dull, for then the plants become sooner established; but, if planted out in dry weather, they should be immediately and thoroughly watered. If the plants have been started in a hot-bed, they should be set out at the time of transplanting cabbages.

The after-culture consists in hoeing frequently to keep the ground loose and clean, and in earthing up slightly from time to time about the stem.

Some of the early varieties will be fit for use in September; whilst the later sorts, if properly treated, will supply the table till spring.

The difficulties attending the growing of Broccoli in this country arise mainly from the extreme heat and dryness of the summer and the intense cold of the winter. Whatever will tend to counteract these will promote the growth of the plants, and tend to secure the development of large and well-formed heads.

"When the heads of White Broccoli are exposed to light, and especially to the direct influence of the sun, the color is soon changed to a dingy or yellowish hue. It is, therefore, necessary to guard against this as much as possible by frequently examining the plants; and, when any heads are not naturally screened, one or two of the adjoining side-leaves should be bent over the flower-head to shade it from the light, and likewise to protect it from the rain. Some kinds are almost self-protecting; whilst the leaves of others spread, and consequently require more care in shading."--_Thomp._

_Taking the Crop._--"Broccoli should not be allowed to remain till the compactness of the head is broken, but should always be cut while the 'curd,' as the flowering ma.s.s is termed, is entire, or before bristly, leafy points make their appearance through it. In tr.i.m.m.i.n.g the head, a portion of the stalk is left, and a few of the leaves immediately surrounding the head; the extremities being cut off a little below the top of the latter."--_Thomp._

_Preservation._--"They are sometimes preserved during winter as follows: Immediately previous to the setting-in of hard frost in autumn, take up the plants on a dry day, with the roots entire, and turn their tops downwards for a few hours, to drain off any water that may be lodged between the leaves. Then make choice of a ridge of dry earth, in a well-sheltered, warm exposure, and plant them down to their heads therein, close to one another; having previously taken off a few of the lower, loose leaves. Immediately erect over them a low, temporary shed, of any kind that will keep them perfectly free from wet, and which can be opened to admit the air in mild, dry weather. In very severe freezing seasons, an extra covering of straw, or other description of dry litter, should be applied over and around the shed; but this should be removed on the recurrence of moderate weather."

They will keep well in a light, dry cellar, if set in earth as far as the lower leaves.

_Seeds._--The seeds of Broccoli are not distinguishable from those of the Cauliflower. They, however, rarely ripen well in this country, and seedsmen are generally supplied from abroad.

_Use._--The heads, or flowers, are cooked and served in all the forms of the Cauliflower.

_Varieties._--These are exceedingly numerous; although the distinctions, in many instances, are neither permanent nor well defined.

In 1861-62, a hundred and three nominally distinct sorts were experimentally cultivated at the Chiswick Gardens, near London, Eng., under the direction of Robert Hogg, Esq. In reporting the result, he says, "It is quite evident that the varieties of Broccoli, as now grown, are in a state of great confusion. The old varieties, such as Grange's and the Old Early White, have entirely disappeared, or lost their original character; whilst the distinctive names of Early White and Late White seem now to be possessed of no value, as, in some cases, the one is used for the other, and _vice versa_."

The kinds catalogued by seedsmen, and recommended for cultivation, are the following; viz.:--

AMBLER'S EARLY WHITE. _R. Hogg._

Similar to Mitchinson's Penzance, but easily distinguished by its winged leaves; those of the last named being interrupted. It is remarkably hardy, and produces a large, creamy-white head, very uniform in size.

CHAPPELL'S LARGE CREAM-COLORED.

Chappell's New Cream-colored.

A very large and fine sort, earlier than the Portsmouth; flower cream-yellow. Sow in the open ground in May, and transplant three feet apart in each direction.

DANISH, OR LATE GREEN.

_Late Danish. Siberian._

The leaves of this variety are long, narrow, and much undulated; the leaf-stems are tinged with purple; the heads are of medium size, compact, exposed, and of a greenish color. It is one of the latest and hardiest of all varieties.

DWARF BROWN CLOSE-HEADED. _Trans._

This variety resembles the Sulphur-colored; from which it probably originated. It is, however, earlier, and differs in the form, as well as in the color, of the flower. The leaves are small, not much waved, dark-green, with white veins: they grow erect, and afford no protection to the head. Most of the crowns are green at first; but they soon change to large, handsome, brown heads.

The plants should be set two feet apart in each direction.

EARLY PURPLE. _Trans._

Early Purple Sprouting.

An excellent kind, of a deep-purple color. When the variety is unmixed, it is close-headed at first; afterwards it branches, but is liable to be too much branched, and to become green. The plant is from two to three feet high, and a strong grower; the leaves are comparatively short, spreading, and of a purplish-green color; the head is quite open from the leaves. Small leaves are sometimes intermixed with the head, and the plant produces sprouts of flowers from the alae of the leaves.

It succeeds best in rich soil, and the plants should be set three feet apart.

EARLY SPROUTING. _M'Int._

Asparagus Broccoli. North's Early Purple. Italian Sprouting. Early Branching.

A strong-growing, hardy sort, from two to three feet high. The leaves are spreading, much indented, and of a purplish-green color. The flower is close-headed, and, in the genuine variety, of a rich purple on its first appearance. It is, however, liable to lose its color, and to become greenish; and sometimes produces numerous small, green leaves, intermixed with the flower, particularly if grown in soil too rich.

The variety is extensively grown by the market-gardeners in the vicinity of London.

ELLETSON'S GIGANTIC LATE WHITE.

Elletson's Mammoth.

One of the largest and latest of the white broccolis. Leaves spreading; stem short.

FINE EARLY WHITE. _Thomp._

Early White. Devons.h.i.+re White. Autumn White.

Plant tall, with erect, dark-green, nearly entire leaves. The heads are very white and close.

This variety, in common with a few others, is sometimes cut in considerable quant.i.ties by market-gardeners previous to heavy frost, and preserved in cellars for the supply of the market.

FROGMORE PROTECTING. _Hov. Mag._