Sow thinly in pans or shallow boxes early in February and March on a gentle bottom-heat. Make a larger and the main sowing in the open ground in March, April, and May for autumn cutting. A sowing should also be made in August for spring and summer use. These latter should be pricked into a frame or under a hand-glass during the winter, and in spring planted out so as to stand 30 in. apart. When the heads appear, break some of the large leaves down over them to afford protection, and during the whole of their growth pour plenty of water round the stems in dry weather. These vegetables require very rich and well-tilled soil to grow them to perfection.

Plant classification : Vegetable