Broccoli

Brassica 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 Brassica 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 mass is termed, is entire, or before bristly, leafy points make their appearance through it. In trimming 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 versâ."

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 alæ 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. Devonshire 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 quantities by market-gardeners previous to heavy frost, and preserved in cellars for the supply of the market.

Frogmore Protecting. Hov. Mag.

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 principal.

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.

Mitchell'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.

This has a close, compact head, of a purple color, and, in favorable seasons, comes as large as a cauliflower. The plants grow from a foot to a foot and a half in height, with short, erect, concave leaves, regularly surrounding the head. The veins and midribs are stained with purple. The head is exposed to view in growing; and, as it enlarges, the projecting parts of the flower show a greenish-white mixed with the purple color. When boiled, the whole flower becomes green.

Excellent for general culture, as it is not only one of the finest varieties for the table, but the plants form their heads much more generally than many other kinds. It is the earliest of the purple broccolis.

The seed should not be sown before the middle or last of May, and the plants will require a space of two feet and a half in each direction.

Snow's Superb White Winter. Thomp.

Gill's Yarmouth White.

This variety is of dwarfish habit. The leaves are broad, with short stems; the heads are large, white, very compact, well protected by the incurved leaves, and equal in quality to those of the Cauliflower. By many it is considered superior to Grange's Early Cauliflower Broccoli.

Snow's Spring White or Cauliflower Broccoli. Trans.

Naples White. Early White. Adam's Early White. Neapolitan White. Imperial Early White. Grange's Cauliflower. Covent-Garden Market.

Plant about two feet high, robust, and a strong grower. The leaves are large, thick-veined, flat, and narrow; and generally compress the head, so as to render it invisible when ready for cutting, and thus protect it from rain and the effects of frost. Head large, perfectly white.

Sulphur or Brimstone Broccoli. Trans.

Late Brimstone. Fine Late Sulphur. Edinburgh Sulphur.

Leaves with long stems; heads large, compact, somewhat conical, sulphur-colored, sometimes tinged with purple. Hardy.

Walcheren Broccoli. M'Int.

Comparatively new, and so closely resembling a cauliflower as to be scarcely distinguishable from it. The leaves, however, are more curled, and its constitution is of a hardier nature, enduring the cold, and also withstanding heat and drought better. Much esteemed in England, where, by successive sowings, it is brought to the table at every season of the year.

Ward's Superb. R. Hogg.

This is a form of Knight's Protecting, but is from two to three weeks later. It is of a dwarfish habit of growth, closely protected by the spirally compressed leaves, with a good-sized and perfectly white head. One of the best of the late White Broccolis.

White Cape. Thomp.

Heads of medium size, white, and compact.

Willcove. R. Hogg.

Late Willcove.

The true Willcove is a variety perfectly distinct from every other of its season. The heads are very large, firm, even, and fine, and of a pure whiteness. They are fully exposed, and not protected by the leaves as most other broccolis are. On this account, the variety is more liable to be injured by the weather than any other late sort; and therefore, in severe seasons, it must be regarded as deficient in hardiness.

"It derives its name from a small village near Devonport, Eng.; where it originated, and where the Broccoli is said to be grown in great perfection."