CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE CIRCULAR 11 April, 1927 CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA H. A. JONES AND F. H. ERNST PUBLISHED BY THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, College of Agriculture, University of California, and United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Dis- tributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. B. H. Crocheron, Director, California Agricultural Extension Service. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRINTING OFFICE BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA 1927 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from University of California, Davis Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/cauliflowerprodu11jone CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA H. A. JONESi and F. H. EENST2 FOREWORD Cauliflower is a crop of economic importance in California. The principal districts center around the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. In the southern part of the State, the counties engaged in cauliflower production include Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. Of these, Los Angeles County is by far the heaviest producer. In the north, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Alameda counties are the most important, although Santa Clara, San Benito, and Monterey counties produce rather large amounts. Because of the high price of land near the large centers of population, there has been a tendency during recent years to plant cauliflower in new districts farther removed. As a consequence, a number of experimental plant- ings have been made in different parts of the State, especially along the coast. It is a natural thing to expect considerable shifting in the production centers, therefore, as new and suitable areas are found for growing cauliflower. Cauliflower is not one of the easiest crops to produce. It requires close personal supervision and congenial climatic and soil conditions. As yet, the crop in California has no serious diseases. A number of insect pests, most of which are easily controlled, sometimes cause damage. So far, the chief problem of the cauliflower grower has been that of acquiring good seed. Since the industry is a highly specialized one, the individual who grows cauliflower consistently year after year will find it more profitable, as a rule, than one who produces it inter- mittently. That the California cauliflower industry increased rapidly from 1915 to 1921 was largely due to improved transportation facilities. Since 1921, however, the rate of increase has been less marked. Most of the cauliflower grown for shipment is produced in Cali- fornia, New York, Oregon, and Colorado. New York has always grown a large amount but only during recent years, as may be noted in table 1, have Oregon and Colorado come to the front. Since 1922, cauliflower production has had a great stimulus in Colorado. 1 Associate Professor of Truck Crops and Plant Breeder in the Experiment Station. 2 Assistant in Agricultural Extension. CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [CIRC. 11 SHIPPING SEASONS The bulk of the California crop is shipped from October to April, inclusive. Cauliflower from northern California moves from November to March, while that from the southern district moves mainly from October to May. Most of the crop from the latter districts, however, is shipped during November, December, January, and February. That from the Central District moves from November to May with the greatest shipments during December, January, February, and March. TABLE 1 Carlot Shipments of Cauliflower for the Different States for the Years 1921-1926, inclusive. (Bureau Agricultural Economics) 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926* Total, all States 3,895 3,391 4,695 4,466 5,280 6,558 3,203 2 4 5 3,137 4 1 3 3,575 101 34 18 8 653 277 3,150 29 66 6 35 696 415 3 3 37 2 3,850 191 3,784 199 21 18 834 333 2 6 12 9 13 471 83 683 133 1,019 1,436 Texas 15 Utah 1 15 12 14 13 1 30 47 11 * Subject to revision. The two states competing with the California product on the eastern markets are Oregon and New York. The Oregon spring crop is shipped during February, March, and April, and its fall crop mainly during October and November. The New York crop moves from August to December, thus competing with the fall shipments from California. The markets of the country are usually very well supplied with cauliflower from September to March. If districts able to pro- duce cauliflower after March could be found, no doubt a ready market would be available. Table 2 gives the carlot shipments of Cauliflower, by months, for the entire United States ; table 3 gives the same infor- mation for California. These tables offer a good indication also of the shipping season for the California product as well as of the main producing seasons for the entire country. In California, the seasons vary considerably from 1927] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA year to year. If the fall is warm and moist, the crop usually starts moving much earlier than when it has been cold and dry. If the weather during mid- and late-winter is warm, the crop matures so much more rapidly that fewer late shipments are made than during a cool spring. As shown in table 1, California in 1926 shipped 3850 carloads of cauliflower, 5280 being the output for the entire country. In other words, 70 per cent of the carlot shipments for that year originated in California, while in 1925 they amounted to 73 per cent. These figures do not take into consideration the amount consumed locally or that shipped in mixed cars. Though most of the cauliflower sent from California goes in straight cars, a considerable quantity is also moved in mixed cars to centers of small consumption. TABLE 2 Carlot Shipments of Cauliflower by Months for the United States, 1921-1926 Year Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1921 654 580 1,142 623 838 881 516 544 698 975 822 1,094 782 1,046 965 777 484 1,604 7 219 191 161 215 245 22 27 34 108 96 57 2 17 20 16 6 23 13 22 41 65 270 103 171 150 123 157 521 207 493 320 464 477 531 1,005 631 283 621 621 479 825 604 1922 783 1923 7 1 20 6 389 1924 485 1925 1,006 1926* 508 * Subject to revision. Data from Bureau of Agricultural Economics. TABLE 3 Carlot Shipments of Cauliflower by Months for California, 1921-1926 Year Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1921 .... 649 580 1,141 618 838 877 508 544 698 872 818 897 718 1,037 802 591 429 840 4 116 92 83 213 235 7 12 22 81 84 44 2 16 17 6 5 13 4 5 17 5 6 44 11 8 1 4 1 185 14 33 50 127 45 476 65 443 375 348 363 597 1922 738 1923 7 307 1924 456 1925 4 977 1926* 476 Subject to revision. Data from Bureau of Agricultural Economics. TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS Cauliflower develops best in those areas where the temperature during the latter part of the growing period is cool and uniform, and where fairly moist conditions prevail. For this reason, the grow- ing of cauliflower is mainly localized in those areas where the climate 6 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClRC. 11 is tempered by large bodies of water, as in the coastal counties of California and Oregon, and on Long Island. Extremely low tem- peratures while the plant is young may cause it to " button ' ' or head prematurely. Low temperatures delay maturity, reduce the size, and consequently lower the acre yield. Freezing of the curd or head impairs the carrying quality. Hot weather during transplanting time may interfere with the rapid establishment of the plants in the field. If it occurs while curds are maturing, it often causes yellowing, riceyness, or fuzziness. High temperatures appear also to stimulate growth of the head leaves, and in many cases, causes them to appear through the top of the curd. The curd itself often grows so rapidly under these conditions that harvesting at the best stage of development is almost impossible, especially when large acreages are being handled. Areas subject to cool climatic conditions usually suffer smaller losses from over-maturity. Cauliflower should always have a sufficient supply of moisture in the soil to insure a continuous and steady growth. It does not thrive in dry sections, especially if they are subject to extremes of tempera- ture or to wind storms. This crop makes its best development in a moist atmosphere. Well distributed rainfall or carefully regulated irrigations are necessary for the successful production of this crop. These conditions help to produce maximum yields, large sizes, and good quality. SOIL REQUIREMENTS Cauliflower can be grown very successfully on a variety of soil types. Generally speaking, however, the soil selected should be fertile, of good physical condition, retentive of moisture, and well drained. Where a number of different soil types are available, the medium and heavy soils should be used for varieties that mature in the fall and spring, as they are cool and retain moisture well. When it is to mature during the rainy season, the crop should be planted in sandy or silty soils. These are usually so well drained that harvesting can be done without puddling. Though such soils produce good crops during the rainy season, they make low yields when used for very early or very late plantings. Soils of very light texture should be used for cauliflower production only when they are abundantly supplied with organic matter, which increases the water- holding capacity and cuts down costs by decreasing the number of irrigations needed. In the case of heavier soils, the presence of organic matter facilitates aeration and water penetration. 1927] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA Fig. 1. — Alkali tolerance of cauliflower. Cauliflower grows on all but the worst alkali spots. SEED BED Preparation. — In most of the commercial cauliflower-growing dis- tricts of California, the plants are started in the open field. Where possible, seeding is done in the field on a good sandy loam soil, of medium fertility. Land for the seed bed should be leveled and irri- gated, then plowed, and put into a finely pulverized condition. The two types of beds generally used are the sunken or panel bed, and the raised seed bed. Where the soil is light and porous and not subject to packing, sunken seed beds are preferable. The latter are prepared in long narrow lands, 12 to 16 feet wide, with small dikes or levees on each side to facilitate irrigation by flooding. One acre of land in panels will probably accommodate more plants than the same area in raised seed beds. Moreover, sunken beds have a minimum of surface exposed, and hence dry out more slowly than raised beds. On the heavier types of soil that form a thick crust after irrigation, raised beds have usually been found more satisfactory, as they facili- tate quick growth. These are similar to the beds used for the growing of lettuce. They are usually about 6 inches high and are approx- 8 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [CIRC. 11 imately 18 inches wide, with irrigation furrows between. Each bed has two rows of plants, which are spaced 10 to 12 inches apart. Twelve to 15 pounds of seed are sufficient to sow one acre of seed bed. Experienced growers have found that one acre is sufficient for 20 to 25 acres of field planting. A surplus of plants should be grown, so that only the best and strongest ones need be used for transplanting. Plants which have been stunted by remaining in the seed bed too long head prematurely. A chart of the varieties and the dates of planting in the seed beds will help the grower to avoid confusion and mistakes at time of transplanting. Fig. 2. — In the foreground is shown the wooden flume used formerly for the furrow system of irrigation. The overhead system is now being used for irrigation. E. D. McSweeney Kanch. El Monte, California. Sowing Seeds. — Seed should be sown with a hand drill, sufficiently deep to be in contact with moist soil, but not deep enough to prevent the germinating seedlings from reaching the surface. One-half to three-fourths of an inch in depth is usually sufficient. In hot dry weather, the depth should be greater than in cool moist weather. The rows are spaced about 12 inches apart. Planting Schedule. — In the centers of commercial production, it is very essential that the different varieties and strains be planted at the proper time. Experienced growers in the Los Angeles district claim that each variety has a definite limit in planting dates, beyond 1927 ] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 9 which favorable results can not be secured, and that only varieties which have been developed for a particular season of the year should be used. In that district, Snowball, an early variety, is usually planted in the seed bed during the month of May. The various strains of the Pearl variety are seeded from May 15 to August 15. Some growers make plantings every ten days, beginning with the Early Pearl, and following this with the Half Early Pearl, the Late Pearl, and the Broccoli. The Early Pearl is usually sown from May 15 to June 15, and the Half Early Pearl from June 5 to July 1, sowings in each case being made every ten days. First sowings of the Late Pearl are made about June 25, and late ones come at ten-day intervals up to August 10. Broccoli is usually seeded about July 1, and at intervals of ten days up to August 15. In this way, a succession of crops is secured throughout the season, thus making harvesting a continuous operation when once begun. Though different growers vary this planting procedure somewhat to suit their local conditions, their main object is to have a continuous harvest throughout the shipping season. A suggested planting pro- gram, as worked out by Mr. J. N. Teague of Arcadia for his conditions, is given herewith: Early Pearl .....May 15 Early Pearl May 23 Early Pearl May 31 Half Early Pearl June 17 Half Early Pearl June 19 Broccoli June 19 Half Early Pearl June 19 Broccoli June 30 Broccoli July 14 Broccoli July 29 In districts having an equable climate with a mild winter and a cool spring, Late Pearl and Broccoli may be seeded as late as August 20. In this case, an extra late crop is secured, which comes off during April. In any case, plants should be started sufficiently early to reach a large size before the cool winter weather checks their growth. In the Colma district, one variety of cauliflower and two varieties of broccoli are grown. The cauliflower grown in this district is not known by any specific name, and is seldom shipped, most of the product being sold locally. The White Broccoli is sown during June or July, while the Black Broccoli is usually sown in early July. 10 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClRC. 11 MANAGEMENT OF THE SEED BED Care should be exercised to develop healthy stocky plants. If the seedlings are too thick in the row, they should be thinned to prevent overcrowding. Under the best soil and climatic conditions, and with a well prepared seed bed, it may be possible at times to produce good plants without the addition of irrigation water after the seed has been sown. The best growers irrigate only when absolutely necessary. An irrigation shortly before pulling the plants produces succulent roots, many of which die during transplanting. The shock of transplanting is less severe if the plants have been deprived of water somewhat and have been allowed to harden, than if they are in a tender, rapidly growing condition. If the soil is hard and the plants can not be pulled readily, the beds should be irrigated the day preceding pulling. It is best not to wet more of the plant bed than will be used the following day. However, if the soil is loose, this irrigation is unneces- sary. Plants are usually of sufficient size for transplanting 6 to 9 weeks after seeding, depending upon the time of the year. Only the largest are removed at first. An irrigation should be given imme- diately after the first pulling to stimulate the growth of the remaining plants. An effort should be made to secure a uniform continuous growth. If plants remain in the seed bed for too long a time, growth is severely checked and premature heading is often brought about. Soil which does not hold water well should be irrigated frequently enough to promote an even and normal growth. Water should be withheld about a week or ten days before pulling. Usually only two pullings should be made from a bed. In some sections, especially in the northern and central coastal regions, the cauliflower and broccoli plants are started in more or less protected field beds, especially when grown during the late fall, winter, or early spring. In the Colma region, the beds are usually located on southern slopes where they are well protected from the wind. After being well manured, they are plowed, then finely pulver- ized and seeded. They are then covered with litter to prevent baking of the soil, especially during the drier part of the year. The beds are usually irrigated by overhead sprinklers with long slowly revolving arms, and are thinned and kept well weeded and cultivated. The plants are allowed to grow to a larger size before transplanting than is generally the custom in other sections. 1927] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 11 PULLING PLANTS A common practice is to pull plants during the fore part of the afternoon, and then the field having been prepared during the morn- ing, to transplant with the same crew during the remainder of the day. The plants are sorted and packed in lug boxes, which are kept covered with moist burlap sacks. Only as many plants are pulled as can be transplanted the same day. The largest and stockiest plants are selected. If the leaves are very large, they may be trimmed to reduce the loss of water. Plants which are well hardened need very little, if any, cutting back of the leaves. Fig. 3. — The above figure shows the size of plants that are used for trans- planting, also the method of handling in lug boxes when transferring from nursery to the field. Los Angeles County. LAYING OUT THE LAND FOR IRRIGATION Rows should be run in such a way as to have enough fall to facilitate irrigation and surface drainage. Light soils which take water very rapidly should be laid out to give a uniform distribution of water throughout the length of the furrow. This may necessitate short runs of 200 to 400 feet, which generally give more rapid irrigation. The ditches and furrows should be laid out in the direction to give the desired fall. If, however, the soil does not absorb water readily, 12 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClEC. 11 they should be run in the direction which will give a minimum fall, in order to get a uniform penetration of moisture. Runs in this case may be as long as 600 feet. There should be no waste water except on lands of very steep slopes, and that from the higher levels should be used to irrigate the lower. While cauliflower is commonly grown on side hills in the northern and central cauliflower districts, steep grades are undesirable, especially in the warmer and dried regions of the state. In the latter areas, it is very desirable that the land be well graded to a moderate slope so that the water can be applied uniformly. If this is not done, certain areas of the field are flooded at the time of irrigation, while others remain high and dry. Leveling should be done well in advance of the planting season. If much soil has been moved, it is best to make a test irrigation to settle the soil and reveal the depressions and elevations. The necessary retouching can be done after the land has become sufficiently dry. PREPARATION OF THE LAND If cauliflower follows beans in rotation, the land should be chiseled as there may not be sufficient time for plowing. This is less expensive, requires less time, and does not turn up clods. Furrows are usually made with a lister. They should be spaced a uniform distance apart throughout their entire length to facilitate cultivation. In the application of water for furrow irrigation, head ditches are commonly used. These should have sufficient capacity to irrigate adequately and quickly. PLANTING After the plants are pulled, every effort should be made to get them into the ground as soon as possible. They are dropped in the furrows just ahead of the person planting, and are then set in the bottom of the furrows with short handled hoes. On soils which are light to medium in texture, planting in the furrow bottom is especially desirable ; on very heavy types, the side of the furrow is often used. Plants should be set so that they will stand up, and not be submerged with the irrigation water. Whatever replanting is necessary, should be done as soon as possible. Rows should be 34 to 36 inches apart and plants about 24 to 30 inches apart in the row, depending upon the variety. Crowding should be avoided, as it reduces the size of the curd. The aim of the grower should be to produce curds of a medium-large size (12 to the crate), for which there is usually a good demand. 192 7] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 13 Fig. 4. — Plants set on the side of the ridge. IRRIGATION If the soil is dry, open, and porous, it may take a long time to get the water through, and the plants may suffer as a consequence. Under these conditions, a preliminary irrigation may be given before transplanting. When dry soil is used, it is very desirable to have the water applied almost immediately after the plants have been set. Where the rows are long, the water may be started as soon as the planter has set twenty-five to fifty plants and may be allowed to follow slowly down the row so as to prevent any excessive drying out or wilting. During the summer and early fall, the plants are making a rapid growth and, therefore, require considerable moisture. Some growers in the southern cauliflower districts count on about five irrigations during the season. The number needed, however, varies with the different types of soil and with weather conditions. While cauliflower is naturally a shallow-rooted plant, surface rooting should not be encouraged by frequent light irrigations, especially during the early life of the plant. During the winter, rains may occur, but these should not be depended upon unless they are thorough enough to make an irrigation unnecessary. The chief object should be to keep the soil sufficiently moist to a depth of 3 or 4 feet throughout the life of the plant to secure a uniform and steady growth. The number of furrows irrigated at one time depends upon the method of irrigations, the head of water, and the soil type. If the furrows have a pronounced fall, the water may be run in small streams. The operator may gauge the penetration of the soil moisture very 14 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClRC. 11 easily and accurately by means of a soil auger. The amount of water, or size of head used, should be gauged so that the water will reach the end of the furrow without too much waste. Much interest is being shown in overhead irrigation. This method accomplishes a number of things not possible with furrow irrigation. It moistens all of the soil uniformly, reduces aphis damage to a mini- mum, and seems to produce a uniform and steady growth. Fig. 5. — The photograph above was taken three days after planting and irrigating. Note how the plants have been revived. The experimental sprinkler system on the E. D. McSweeny ranch, at El Monte, is capable of throwing about one acre-inch every twelve hours. Each unit is about 400 feet long and % acre in size. A comparison of cauliflower plots which had been furrow-irrigated with those which had been sprinkled showed the latter to be considerably more vigorous and thrifty in growth. Whether the yields are increased sufficiently to justify the installation of a sprinkler system is very problematical, especially when large acreages of cauliflower are grown. Overhead irrigation, however, should prove especially advantageous on hillsides, w T here satisfactory furrow irrigation is difficult. 3 3 Directions for installation of overhead irrigation are given in Wadsworth, H. A. Irrigation by overhead sprinkling. California Agr. Ext. Serv. Cir. 4. 37 p. 12 fig. 1926. 1927 ] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 15 CULTIVATION Cultivation usually follows each irrigation except, possibly, the last two or three. About five cultivations are required during the season. If it is possible to perform these at the proper time, hoeing is reduced to a minimum and may be entirely unnecessary. When the furrows are filled, the weeds are covered and killed. Cultivation and preparation for irrigation are usually accomplished in one opera- tion by attaching a large shovel at the rear of the cultivator. During the later stages of growth, cultivation should be shallow, so as not to destroy any of the surface roots. The last cultivation levels the soil between the rows and gives a smooth surface, thus making harvesting much easier. SOIL IMPROVEMENT The soil must be sufficiently fertile to produce a plant of good size. A large curd can not be obtained from a small plant. The plant food elements should be present in available form and in sufficient amount to give a continuous growth. While phosphorus, potash, and other plant food elements are necessary, the one most generally needed is nitrogen. Crop Rotation. — It is always advisable to carry on some type of crop rotation. Cauliflower diseases as well as insects accumulate in the soil and infect and injure in increasig amount the succeeding crops. Planting cauliflower continuously on the same land, therefore, is undesirable. In southern California, it is usually grown as a fall and winter crop, following spring and summer crops. It is also often grown in rotation with early potatoes, sweet corn, early tomatoes and spring lettuce, less often with beans and carrots. Alfalfa is frequently used in a long rotation. Intercropping. — In Los Angeles County, some cauliflower is grown as an intercrop among deciduous fruit and English walnut trees. If the trees are large, the cauliflower crop can be planted so as to have the maximum growth period at a time when the trees are bare. Extreme shading will not then occur. Manuring. — There is considerable difference of opinion among growers as to the value of the various fertilizers. Many of the more successful growers have large supplies of barnyard manure available. 16 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClRC. 11 Cauliflower fits in well with dairying; and an abundant supply of manure may thus be obtained. Where livestock is kept on the same farm, the task of maintaining the soil in a highly productive condition is not a difficult one. Ten to twenty tons of manure may be considered a good annual application. If fresh manure is used, it should be applied and disked or plowed under in time to allow it partially to decompose before the crop is planted. Besides supplying plant food, it increases the organic matter in the soil. Green Manure Crops. — If manure can not be obtained in sufficient amount to supply the needed organic matter and plant food, green manure crops alone or with commercial fertilizer may be used. The cover crop or green manure crop, preferably a legume, chosen should be adapted to the local climatic conditions and should produce a good tonnage of vegetable matter. It is better to grow green manure crops to plow under, rather than to allow the fields to lie idle during a part of the year. Such crops keep down weeds and help conserve the soluble mineral elements of the soil, especially in regions of heavy winter rainfall. They prevent erosion, help aerate the subsoil, and increase the favorable bacterial flora of the soil. By the addition of organic matter, the texture of heavy soils is improved and the mois- ture-holding capacity of the sandy ones is increased. Where nematodes are prevalent, crops or varieties resistant to their attack should be grown. Cowpeas and Taredo soybeans are good green manure crops to grow during the summer where temperatures are moderately high. Many of the best growers plant such crops at least once every two years. Melilotus indica and purple vetch are common ones used. The former is probably the more popular. It may be seeded when the cauliflower is disked up and then plowed under when again preparing for cauliflower. By doing this the only expense for cover cropping is the seed and the water. Commercial Fertilizer. — In certain cauliflower sections, the high price of land prohibits the planting of green manure crops, and the productivity of the soil, therefore, must be maintained largely by the use of commercial fertilizers. The three constituents supplied in a complete fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. Any of these may be supplied in the organic or inorganic form. In the latter form, the elements are immediately available to the plant, while in the former, the complex compounds must undergo decomposition into more simple forms before they can be absorbed by the plant. This decomposition or change is effected by different bacterial groups in 192 7 ] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 17 the soil. When the temperature of the soil is low, these bacteria function slowly or not at all, so it is better, during the cooler seasons at least, to apply a part of the fertilizers in the inorganic form. It is impossible to specify a single kind or a uniform rate of application of fertilizer for the entire state or for any large district within the state. It is best for each grower to make a number of tests on his own farm to determine the kind to use and the most profitable amount to apply. In general, growers have found that it is the lack of nitrogen which limits the growth of the cauliflower plant. Nitrogenous fertilizers, therefore, usually give the greatest growth response. Nitrogen can be supplied in the inorganic form as nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia. Tankage, fish meal, cottonseed meal, dried blood, and other compounds can be used to supply the organic form. An application of about 70 to 80 pounds of nitrogen to the acre before planting should give good results. About half of this should be applied in the organic and half in the inorganic form. If the plants are making a slow growth or if they appear yellowish green, a side dressing of 100 to 150 pounds of nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia to the acre usually cause a quickening of the growth rate and a darkening of the leaves. BLANCHING The market demand is for a pure white curd. Varieties such as Snowball have a small amount of foliage, which neither covers the curd nor protects it from the sun and weather. To prevent discolor- ation, it is necessary, therefore, to gather together and tie the outside leaves over the head. Breaking the leaves over the head, a method sometimes used, is unsatisfactory, as the wind is likely to displace them. Moreover, if they decay, a yellowing of the curd results. "When the curd is small, it is well protected by the small inner incurving leaves. As it increases in size, the leaves gradually lift, thus exposing the curd. To prevent discoloration, the outer leaves must be gathered together and tied while the small inner leaves still protect the head. The length of time necessary for the development of the curds to a marketable condition after tying depends chiefly upon the tem- perature. During warm weather they may be ready for harvest within two or three days, but during the cooler part of the year, as long as two weeks may be required. All varieties of broccoli and some varieties of cauliflower are sufficiently protected until the curds are ready for harvest and, therefore, need not be tied. By far the greater part of the California crop is composed of the latter type. 18 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [CIRC. 11 HARVESTING Every few days after the crop begins to mature, all heads in the proper stage of development are cut, trimmed, and hauled in a high- wheeled cart to the ends of the rows, where they are transferred to wagons or trucks to be hauled to the packing shed. The axles of the cauliflower cart are bent, thus elevating the bed so that it clears the top of the standing plants. This bed works on a hinge to facilitate the unloading. Four or five such carts are usually required for a field of sixty acres. -m. Fig. 6. — Small two-wheeled carts are pulled through the field into which the cauliflower heads are thrown. The heads are then transferred to wagons or trucks at the end of the field, and hauled to the packing shed. The cauliflower head with the jacket leaves attached is severed from the plant with a large knife. A sufficient number of these jacket leaves are left on to give good protection. Many growers cut the stem to the desired length in the field so that it needs no further trimming at the time of packing. The tips of the leaves may be cut back at the time of harvest or may be left intact until the crate is packed. It is imperative that the heads be cut while they are still compact. It is a common error to allow the head to get past its prime before 1927] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 19 cutting. There is very little danger of cutting the heads before they have made the proper size. If the plants have not made good growth, the heads will not grow large, regardless of the length of time they remain in the field. It is generally considered a better policy to disregard the size feature at the time of harvest and consider only the stage of maturity. Fig. 7. — Cauliflower head ready for market. The figure shows outside leaves trimmed off and the inner leaves left as a jacket to protect the edible parts. One should always picture the appearance of the head at the time of arrival at market. Appearance is an important factor in the sale of any commodity, and even one over-mature head in a crate may spoil the appearance of the entire lot. Over-mature heads are very conspicuous because the advanced growth spreads the leaves and exposes the curd. Young ones are more concealed in their jacket leaves and, therefore, attract less attention. 20 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [CIRC. 11 Since cauliflower matures very rapidly in warm, rainy weather, a large portion of the crop may be lost unless additional labor is provided during these periods. If a part of the field has become over-mature, it is best to accept the loss and continue to cut only the desirable heads rather than to attempt to harvest those that have passed their best marketable condition. Occasionally during a rush period, the cauliflower heads are cut and left inverted in the field for a short time. This checks the growth and prevents losses that might otherwise occur. Fig. 8. — Another view showing the ideal condition for cutting. This figure, also, illustrates how the inner incurving leaves of some varieties protect the developing curd from the sun and frost and keep it pure white in color. GRADING As has just been stated, the chief aim of the California grower should be to place a product of high quality on the market. The permanent success of the California cauliflower industry depends upon sending to the eastern markets a product rigidly graded and highly standardized. The inherent characteristics of cauliflower apparently make this vegetable more subject to transit deterioration than is the case with other vegetable crops shipped from California. Since much of the cauliflower shipped from California is sold on consignment, the price received is determined entirely by the appearance and quality of the pack. In many cases, growers suffer large differentials because one or two heads of poor quality are present in the inspected crates. At the present time, there is a good demand for cauliflower of high quality, but there is almost no market for poor stock. 1927 ] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 21 Over-maturity. — The stage of development of the head affects very markedly its carrying qualities. The longer the heads are left in the fields after they are ready to cut, the more wilted they appear when they reach the market. If the curd has begun to* separate, as shown in figures 9 and 10, it deteriorates much faster than one compact at the time of cutting. If the heads are spread, they reach the eastern markets in an almost unsalable condition. Every effort, therefore, should be made at the time of cutting and again at the time of packing to discard all heads that are slightly spread, for this condition is usually much more pronounced by the time they reach their desti- nation. Fig. 9. — Cauliflower head very much over-mature. Curds of this age should not be harvested. "Riciness." — A condition known as riciness is caused by the elon- gation of the ultimate branches. The head then becomes granular in appearance, as shown in figure 11, and is less compact than it should be. Although a ricey head is not as objectionable as one which is badly spread, it suffers some differential in price on the market. Riciness may be largely overcome by the selection of seed of good quality and by growing the crop under the most favorable climatic conditions. It is usually more likely to occur when the crop matures during excep- tionally warm dry weather. It may also be brought about at times by allowing the heads to become slightly over-mature. However, heads may become badly spread without showing any signs of riciness. 22 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClRC. 11 COMPACT SLIGHTLY SPREAD BADLY SPREAD Fig. 10. — The heads should arrive at destination in a solid condition, as shown by the compact head above. If the heads are cut and packed when only slightly over-mature, they spread considerably more before they reach the eastern markets and appear as the heads labelled "slightly spread" and "badly spread." The heads pictured are neither ricey nor fuzzy, but the badly spread and loose condition is especially objectionable. 1927] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 23 "Fuzzi'Thess." — When the individual flower stems or pedicels elon- gate, the head assumes a velvety or fuzzy appearance such as that shown in figure 12. The entire head or only a small portion of it may be so affected. Some varieties are more predisposed than others to fuzziness. This condition is usually brought about by adverse growing conditions, sometimes by slight over-maturity of the heads. It can be overcome to a great extent by observing the same precautions as for riciness. Fig. 11. — Bicey head of cauliflower. (New Jersey Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui. 432.) Leafy Curds. — Leafy curds are those which have small green leaves appearing between the segments. Curds of this type are unde- sirable, and if possessing many leaflets, should be discarded. This condition is usually due to seed of poor quality. Small Sizes. — Small sizes usually mean a lower price to the crate as well as fewer crates to the acre. Usually, small sizes are the result of growing the crop on unproductive soil, or of getting the plants started too late in the fall. For winter and early spring crops, the plants should be set in the field in time to secure a good growth before cold weather. 24 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClRC. 11 Color of Leaves. — When the heads reach the eastern markets, the jacket leaves should be green — not yellow in color. If subject to high temperature after cutting, they will turn yellow and drop during transit or after reaching destination. W / ••"'i £V- I • • 1 f ^ t£ 'J l|fa: ' /^ # ,»'■■#*' v , # ^ * . .^™ M iC - V v " mr j. Fig. 12. — A fuzzy head of cauliflower. The pedicels or stalks of the indi- vidual flowers have started to elongate. This condition may accompany over- maturity but is usually prevalent when the crop has been grown under unfavorable climatic conditions. Discoloration of Curd. — Curds which are exposed to the sun develop a brown pigment that is very objectionable. Varieties such as Snowball should have the leaves well tied over the head to prevent discoloration. If the plants are not to be tied, only those varieties and strains should be grown which have their heads naturally well 1927] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 25 protected. The surface of the curd becomes discolored also if bruised. If possible, the curd should not be touched during the harvesting and packing operations. Insect Injury. — Occasionally worm injury reduces the salability of the product. Heads having a large portion of the leaf blades eaten or having deposits of green excrement in the white curd present a poor appearance on the market. The presence of aphis on the leaves at the time of packing is also objectionable, for during transit they may migrate to the surface and between the branches of the curd. Fig. 13. — Leafy head. Heads which have a considerable number of small leaves appearing between the segments of the head as shown above should be discarded. STANDARDIZATION AND PACKING As the grades for cauliflower are subject to change without notice, they are not given here. They can be obtained from the State Department of Agriculture at Saermento or from the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. The standardized pack, which most buyers prefer, can be made up better at the central packing houses where skilled men do the sorting than on the individual ranches. Cauliflower is packed mainly in pony crates or flats, with only one layer of heads in a container. The heads are set erect in the crate, as 26 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClRC. 11 shown in figure 14; the foliage is trimmed to a bulge of iy 2 to 2 inches, and then three narrow slats are nailed across the top. The crates are inverted in the car so that the melting ice water will trickle down over the leaves rather than collect in the heads. Fig. 14. — After packing the leaves are trimmed to a bulge of about 1% inches. The top slats are then nailed on. LOADING The main system now used in the loading of cars is known as the pigeon-hole method. By this method, 480 pony crates are placed in a car. As shown in figure 15, the third and fifth layers from the bottom are only 4 crates wide ; between the crates of these layers are placed chunks of ice weighing from 10 to 20 pounds each. Strips of wood are nailed to the crates to prevent movement in the car. Ice is then 1927] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 27 placed between the crates, on top of the load, and in the bunkers. The ice on top of the crates is usually left in large blocks weighing 30 to 40 pounds. The amount of ice used at time of loading varies with the season of the year. As a rule, the product reaches the eastern market in a better condition when the pigeon hole method of loading is used than when the shipments are made " sold-pack. ' ' Fig. 15. — Pigeon-hole method of loading. Crates are inverted to prevent collection of water in the head. Blocks of ice are placed in the tunnels, on top of the load and also in the bunkers. A car loaded as above holds 480 pony crates. SEED GROWING As a general thing, the production of seed by the average grower is not to be recommended, because of the insufficient care used in the selection of seed stock and in rogueing out the undesirable plants. Although a considerable amount has always been produced by the commercial growers of California, so far as is known, no one has made a special effort to improve the stock. As a result, in those regions where cauliflower is an important commercial crop, opportunity awaits anyone who will make a specialty of breeding strains of higher quality and greater uniformity. Some growers producing seed reserve several well rogued rows on one side of the field for seed purposes. Only the best curds in these 28 CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE [ClBC. 11 rows are allowed to develop. When this method is followed, selected plants only should be permitted to come into bloom. Often neighbor- ing plants too poor to cut for market are unintentionally allowed to bloom. These cross readily with the selected plants, and the progeny are usually worthless. Fields which are being grown for seed should be at least one-half mile apart. Since the flowers are mostly insect pollinated, the greater the distance between fields, the less the danger of cross pollination. Since cauliflower and all varieties of cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohl rabi cross freely, these crops should not be grown in close proximity for seed purposes. '"' Fig. 16. — Solid pack. The car when loaded holds 500 pony crates. There are five tiers the width of the car. Two tiers at each end have 7 layers and the remaining 12 tiers have 6 layers of crates. Ice is placed on top of the load. It is sometimes necessary to cover the maturing plants with mos- quito nettiDg, as shown in figure 18, so that the birds can not break open the pods and eat the seed. When the pods are brown in color, the plants are cut and laid on large canvas sheets to dry. In two or three weeks, the seeds can be rolled with a large iron or wooden roller or threshed out with a flail. The seed is then cleaned and placed in burlap sacks. These sacks are only partially filled so that they may be turned every day for about two weeks and the seed cured thoroughly. The best means of obtaining good seed is to select a few of the most desirable plants in the field and cage them to prevent cross 1927] CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA 29 pollination. A cage of considerable size is necessary. One measuring about four feet each way should be satisfactory. The frame should be made of wood and the covering of muslin should be of sufficiently fine mesh to keep out insects. It is best to have the sides of the cage held together by screws rather than nails. The screws can be taken ■ v ■" v ' -.''^TiB It \4 J^fl PS W " ; - Iftfl ill i*" - : ' - • \ 'IPWLii BBb ' fflfeim BnL» kwmM 8L ^pP"a B *' b pp sf^^ b^ I ■R '"•Iff M^L *^*fcfc, : #B B v