The Field and Garden Vegetables of America Part 43

Head pure white, scarcely distinguishable from the finest cauliflower; size large,--when well formed, measuring from seven to nine inches in diameter.

A recently introduced sort, promising to be one of the best. The plants are extremely hardy and vigorous, and rarely fail to develop a large and fine head, having a rich, curdy appearance, and, as before observed, similar to a well-grown cauliflower. It is of dwarf growth; and the outer leaves, closing over the large head of flowers, protect it from the action of severe weather.

GILLESPIE'S BROCCOLI. _Thomp._

A fine, white, early autumn variety, much grown about Edinburgh.

GRANGE'S EARLY CAULIFLOWER BROCCOLI. _M'Int._

Grange's Early White. Hopwood's Early White. Marshall's Early White.

Bath White. Invisible.

This is an old variety, and, when pure, still stands in high estimation; having a head nearly as large and as white as a cauliflower. The leaf-stems are long and naked; the leaves are somewhat ovate, lobed at the base, very slightly waved, and, incurving a little over the flower, defend it from frost and wet. It is not a large grower; and, being upright in habit, may be grown at two feet distant.

Hardy, and well deserving of cultivation. The London market-gardeners cultivate four varieties, of which this is the princ.i.p.al.

GREEN CAPE. _Thomp._

Autumnal Cape. Maher's Hardy Cape.

Leaves long and narrow; the veins and midribs green; the head is greenish, and generally covered by the leaves.

This variety and the Purple Cape often become intermixed, and are liable to degenerate. They are, however, quite distinct, and, when pure, very beautiful.

GREEN CLOSE-HEADED WINTER. _Trans._

Late Green. Siberian. Dwarf Roman.

This new and excellent Broccoli is apparently a seedling from the Green Cape. The plants are dwarf; the leaves are large and numerous, with white veins. The flower grows exposed, is not of large size, and resembles that of the Green Cape. Its season immediately follows that of the last-named variety.

HAMMOND'S WHITE CAPE.

An excellent, pure white variety, obtained in England by cultivation and selection.

KENT'S LATE WHITE.. _R. Hogg._

A remarkably hardy, dwarf-growing variety, with very dark-green foliage.

Bouquet white, of good size, and well protected.

KIDDERMINSTER. _R. Hogg._

Head large and handsome, of pure whiteness, and much exposed. It is evidently a form of "Willcove," and has, undoubtedly, emanated from that variety; but it is somewhat earlier.

KNIGHT'S PROTECTING. _R. Hogg._ _M'Int._

Early Gem. The Gem. Lake's Gem. Waterloo Late White. Dilliston's Late White. Hampton Court. Invisible Late White.

When pure, this variety is of a dwarfish habit of growth, with long, pointed, and winged leaves, which have a spiral twist about the head, and turn in closely over it, so as effectually to protect it from the effect of frost, and preserve it of a fine white color.

It is remarkably hardy; and as the plants are of small size, with comparatively large heads, a great product is realized from a small piece of ground.

LATE DWARF PURPLE.

Dwarf Swedish. Italian Purple. Dwarf Danish.

This is the latest purple Broccoli. The plants seldom rise above a foot in height. The flower, at first, shows small and green; but soon enlarges, and changes to a close, conical, purple head. The leaves are short and small, dark-green, with white veins, much sinuated, deeply indented, and form a regular radius round the flower. The whole plant presents a singular and beautiful appearance.

MILLER'S LATE WHITE. _Thomp._

Miller's Dwarf.

This is an old variety; but is considered by some to be the best late sort, if it can be obtained true. Hardy. Transplant two feet apart.

MITCh.e.l.l'S NE PLUS ULTRA. _Thomp._

Hardy, and of dwarf habit; leaves smooth, glaucous, protecting the head, which is cream-colored, large, and compact. Transplant two feet apart.

MITCHINSON'S PENZANCE. _R. Hogg._

Early White Cornish. Mitchinson's Early White.

One of the best of the Spring Whites. The leaves are much waved on the margin, and enclose large and fine heads, which are nearly of a pure white color. Very hardy.

PORTSMOUTH. _Thomp._

Cream-colored. Southampton. Maher's New Dwarf.

Leaves large, broad, with white veins, spreading; although the central ones partially cover the flower, or head, which is buff, or cream-colored. It is a hardy sort; and the flower, which is produced near the ground, is said to exceed in size that of any other variety.

The plants should be set three feet apart.

PURPLE CAPE. _Trans._

Early Purple Cape. Purple Silesian. Howden's Superb Purple. Grange's Early Cape. Blue Cape.