As we have already said, the best results with early Cauliflower are obtained from an autumn sowing, but there are many growers who prefer to sow in January or February.  At this season the seed should be started in pans or boxes placed in a house just sufficiently heated to exclude frost.  Prick out the plants early, in a frame or on a protected border made up with light rich soil, and when strong enough plant out on good ground.  Spring sowings put out on poor land, or in dry seasons, are sometimes disappointing, because the heads are too small to please the majority of growers.  Where, however, the soil is rich and the district suitable there is this advantage in quick cultivation, that while time is shortened and the worry of wintering is avoided, the crop is safer against buttoning and bolting, which will occasionally occur if the plants become too forward under glass and receive a check when planted out.

In well-prepared sheltered ground seed may also be sown in March and April, from which the plants should be pricked out once before being transferred to permanent positions.  Occasional hoeing between the plants and heavy watering in dry weather will materially tend to their well-doing, the object being to maintain growth from the first without a check.  If the plants turn in during very hot weather, snap one of the inner leaves without breaking it off, and bend it over to protect the head.

==For use in Late Summer and Autumn.==—­Seed may be sown in April or very early in May, and where only one sowing is made the first week of April should be selected.  A fine seed-bed in a sheltered spot is desirable, and as soon as the seedlings are large enough they should be pricked out, three inches or so apart.  Shift to final quarters while in a smallish state.  If the plants are allowed to become somewhat large in the seed-bed they are liable to ‘button,’ which means that small, worthless heads will be produced as the result of an untimely check.  The distances between the plants may vary from one and a half to two feet or more, and between the rows from two to two and a half feet, according to the size of the variety.  If put out on good ground, the crop will almost take care of itself, but should the plants need water it must be copiously given.

==Cutting and Preserving.==—­The management of the crop has been treated so far as to growth, but we must now say a word about its appropriation.  The two points for practical consideration are, how to economise a glut, and how to avoid destruction by frost.  Cauliflowers should be cut at daybreak, or as soon after as possible, and be taken from the ground with the dew upon them.  If cut after the dew has evaporated, the heads will be inferior by several degrees as compared with those cut at the dawn of the day.  When the heads appear at too rapid a rate for immediate consumption, draw the plants, allowing the earth to remain attached to the roots, and suspend them head downwards in a cool, dark, dry