SPINACEOUS PLANTS.
Amaranthus. Black Nightshade. Leaf-beet, or Swiss Chard. Malabar
Nightshade. Nettle. New-Zealand Spinach. Orach. Patience Dock. Quinoa.
Sea-beet. Shepherd's Purse. Sorrel. Spinach. Wild or Perennial Spinach.
* * * * *
AMARANTHUS.
Chinese Amaranthus. Chinese Spinach.
A hardy, annual plant, introduced from China; stem three feet in height,
much branched, and generally stained with red; leaves variegated with
green and red, long, and sharply pointed; the leaf-stems and nerves are
red; the flowers, which are produced in axillary spikes, are greenish,
and without beauty; the seeds are small, black, smooth, and
shining,--twenty-three thousand are contained in an ounce, and they
retain their power of germination four or five years.
_Soil and Cultivation._--Any good garden-soil is adapted to the growth
of the Amaranthus. Before sowing, the ground should be thoroughly
pulverized, and the surface made smooth and even. The seed may be sown
in April, or at any time during the month of May. It should be sown in
very shallow drills, fourteen to sixteen inches apart, and covered with
fine, moist earth. When the plants are two inches high, thin to five or
six inches apart, and cultivate in the usual manner. They will yield
abundantly during most of the summer.
_Use._--The leaves are used in the manner of Spinach, and resemble it in
taste.
_Varieties._--
EARLY AMARANTHUS.
Amarante Mirza. _Vil._
This plant is a native of the East Indies; and in height, color, and
general habit, resembles the Chinese Amaranthus. It is, however,
somewhat earlier, and ripens its seed perfectly in climates where the
Chinese almost invariably fails. Its uses, and mode of cultivation, are
the same.
HANTSI SHANGHAI AMARANTHUS.
Amarante Hantsi Shanghai. _Vil._
Introduced from China by Mr. Fortune, and disseminated by the London
Horticultural Society. It differs little from the preceding species; and
is cultivated in the same manner, and used for the same purposes.
Annual.
* * * * *
BLACK NIGHTSHADE.
Morelle, of the French. Solanum nigrum.
An unattractive, annual plant, growing spontaneously as a weed among
rubbish, in rich, waste places. Its stem is from two to three feet high,
hairy and branching; the leaves are oval, angular, sinuate, and bluntly
toothed; the flowers are white, in drooping clusters, and are succeeded
by black, spherical berries, of the size of a small pea; the seeds are
small, lens-shaped, pale yellow, and retain their vitality five
years,--twenty-three thousand are contained in an ounce.
_Propagation and Culture._--It is raised from seed, which may be sown in
April or May, or in autumn. Sow in shallow drills fifteen or eighteen
inches apart, and thin to six or eight inches in the drills; afterwards
keep the soil loose, and free from weeds, in the usual manner.
_Use._--The French, according to Vilmorin, eat the leaves in the manner
of Spinach; while Dr. Bigelow asserts that it has the aspect and
reputation of a poisonous plant.
On the authority of American botanists, it was introduced into this
country from Europe. By European botanists, it is described as a plant
of American origin.
* * * * *
LEAF-BEET, OR SWISS CHARD.
Sicilian Beet. White Beet. Beta cicla.
The Leaf-beet is a native of the seacoasts of Spain and Portugal. It is
a biennial plant, and is cultivated for its leaves and leaf-stalks. The
roots are much branched or divided, hard, fibrous, and unfit for use.
_Propagation and Cultivation._--It is propagated, like other beets, from
seed sown annually, and will thrive in any good garden soil. The sowing
may be made at any time in April or May, in drills eighteen inches
apart, and an inch and a half deep. "When the plants are a few inches
high, so that those likely to make the best growth can be distinguished,
they should be thinned out to nine inches or a foot apart, according to
the richness of the soil; more room being allowed in rich ground. Some,
however, should be left at half that distance, to make up by
transplanting any vacancies that may occur. The ground should be kept
clean, and occasionally stirred between the rows; taking care not to
injure the roots. In dry weather, plenty of water should be given to
promote the succulence of the leaves."--_Thomp._
_Taking the Crop._--"The largest and fullest-grown leaves should be
gathered first; others will follow. If grown for Spinach, the leaves
should be rinsed in clean water, and afterwards placed in a basket to
drain dry; if for Chard, or for the leaf-stalks and veins, these should
be carefully preserved, and the entire leaves tied up in bundles of six
or eight in each."--_M'Int._
_Seed._--During the first season, select a few vigorous plants, and
allow them to grow unplucked. Just before the closing-up of the ground
in autumn, take up the roots; and, after removing the tops an inch above
the crown, pack them in dry sand in the cellar. The following spring, as
soon as the ground is in working order, set them out with the crowns
level with the surface of the ground, and about two feet and a half
apart. As the plants increase in height, tie them to stakes, to prevent
injury from wind; and in August, when the seed is ripe, cut off the
stems near the ground, and spread them entire, in an airy situation,
till they are sufficiently dried for threshing out.
The seed, or fruit, has the appearance peculiar to the family; although
those of the different varieties, like the seeds of the Red Beet, vary
somewhat in size, and shade of color.
An ounce of seed will sow a hundred feet of drill, or be sufficient for
a nursery-bed of fifty square feet.
_Use._--"This species of Beet--for, botanically considered, it is a
distinct species from _Beta vulgaris_, the Common or Red Beet--is
cultivated exclusively for its leaves; whereas the Red Beet is grown for
its roots. These leaves are boiled like Spinach, and also put into
soups. The midribs and stalks, which are separated from the lamina of
the leaf, are stewed and eaten like Asparagus, under the name of
"Chard." As a spinaceous plant, the White Beet might be grown to great
advantage in the vegetable garden, as it affords leaves fit for use
during the whole summer."--_M'Int._
The thin part of the leaves is sometimes put into soups, together with
sorrel, to correct the acidity of the latter.
The varieties are as follow:--
GREEN OR COMMON LEAF-BEET.
Stalks and leaves large, green; the roots are tough and fibrous, and
measure little more than an inch in diameter; leaves tender, and of good
quality.
If a sowing be made as soon in spring as the frost will permit, another
in June, and a third the last of July, they will afford a constant
supply of tender greens, nearly or quite equal to Spinach. For this
purpose, the rows need be but a foot apart.
LARGE-RIBBED CURLED.
Curled Leaf-beet.
Stalks white; leaves pale yellowish-green, with broad mid-ribs, large
nerves, and a blistered surface like some of the Savoys. It may be grown
as a substitute for Spinach, in the manner directed for the Common or
Green-leaved variety.
LARGE-RIBBED SCARLET BRAZILIAN.
Red Stalk Leaf-beet. Poirée à Carde rouge. _Vil._
Leaf-stalks bright purplish-red; leaves green, blistered on the surface;
nerves purplish-red. A beautiful sort, remarkable for the rich and
brilliant color of the stems, and nerves of the leaves.
LARGE-RIBBED YELLOW BRAZILIAN.
Yellow-stalked Leaf-beet. Poirée à Carde jaune. _Vil._
A variety with bright-yellow leaf-stalks and yellowish leaves. The
nerves of the leaves are yellow, like the leaf-stalks. The color is
peculiarly rich and clear; and the stalks are quite attractive, and even
ornamental. Quality tender and good.
SILVER-LEAF BEET.
Great White-leaf Beet. Swiss Chard. Sea-kale Beet. Large-ribbed
Silver-leaf Beet.
Stalks very large; leaves of medium size, erect, with strong, white ribs
and veins. The leaf-stalks and nerves are cooked and served like
Asparagus, and somewhat resemble it in texture and flavor. It is
considered the best of the Leaf-beets.
* * * * *
MALABAR NIGHTSHADE (WHITE).
Climbing Nightshade. White Malabar Spinach. Baselle blanche. _Vil._
Basella alba.
From the East Indies. Though a biennial plant, in cultivation it is
generally treated as an annual. Stem five feet and upwards in length,
slender, climbing; leaves alternate, oval, entire on the borders, green
and fleshy; flowers in clusters, small, greenish; seeds round, with
portions of the pulp usually adhering,--eleven to twelve hundred
weighing an ounce. They retain their vitality three years.
LARGE-LEAVED CHINESE MALABAR NIGHTSHADE.
Large-leaved Malabar Spinach. Baselle à Très Large Feuille de Chine.
_Vil._ Basella cordifolia.
A Chinese species, more vigorous and much stronger in its general habit
than the Red or the White. Leaves as large as those of Lettuce,--green,
round, very thick, and fleshy; flowers small, greenish; seeds round,
nearly of the same form and color as those of the White variety, but
rather larger.
The species is slow in developing its flower-stem, and the best for
cultivation.
* * * * *
RED MALABAR NIGHTSHADE.
Red Malabar Spinach. Baselle Rouge. _Vil._ Basella rubra.
From China. Properly a biennial plant, but, like the White species,
usually cultivated as an annual. It is distinguished from the last named
by its color; the whole plant being stained or tinted with purplish red.
In the size and color of the seeds, and general habit of the plant,
there are no marks of distinction, when compared with the White.
_Propagation and Cultivation._--All of the species are easily grown from
seeds; which may be sown in a hot-bed in March, or in the open ground in
May. They take root readily when transplanted; and may be grown in rows
like the taller descriptions of pease, or in hills like running beans.
Wherever grown, they require a trellis, or some kind of support;
otherwise the plants will twist themselves about other plants, or
whatever objects may be contiguous. All are comparatively tender, and
thrive best, and yield the most produce, in the summer months.
_Use._--The leaves, which are put forth in great profusion, are used in
the form of Spinach. The juice of the fruit affords a beautiful but not
permanent purple color.
* * * * *
COMMON NETTLE.
Large Stinging Nettle. Urtica dioica.
The Common Nettle is a hardy, herbaceous perennial, growing naturally
and abundantly by waysides and in waste places, "but is seldom seen
where the hand of man has not been at work; and may, therefore, be
considered a sort of domestic plant." It has an erect, branching,
four-sided stem, from three to five feet in height; the leaves are
opposite, heart-shaped at the base, toothed on the borders, and thickly
set with small, stinging, hair-like bristles; the flowers are produced
in July and August, and are small, green, and without beauty; the seeds
are very small, and are produced in great abundance,--a single plant
sometimes yielding nearly a hundred thousand.
_Propagation and Culture._--The Nettle will thrive in almost any soil or
situation. Though it may be propagated from seeds, it is generally
increased by a division of the roots, which may be made in spring or
autumn. These should be set in rows two feet apart, and a foot apart in
the rows.
_Use._--"Early in April, the tops will be found to have pushed three or
four inches, furnished with tender leaves. In Scotland, Poland, and
Germany, these are gathered, as a pot-herb for soups or for dishes, like
Spinach; and their peculiar flavor is by many much esteemed. No plant is
better adapted for forcing; and, in winter or spring, it may be made to
form an excellent substitute for Cabbage, Coleworts, or Spinach. Collect
the creeping roots, and plant them either on a hot-bed or in pots to be
placed in the forcing-house, and they will soon send up an abundance of
tender tops: these, if desired, may be blanched by covering with other
pots. If planted close to a flue in the vinery, they will produce
excellent nettle-kale or nettle-spinach in January and February."
Lawson states that "the common Nettle has long been known as affording a
large proportion of fibre, which has not only been made into ropes and
cordage, but also into sewing-thread, and beautiful, white, linen-like
cloth of very superior quality. It does not, however, appear that its
cultivation for this purpose has ever been fairly attempted. The fibre
is easily separated from other parts of the stalk, without their
undergoing the processes of watering and bleaching; although, by such,
the labor necessary for that purpose is considerably lessened. Like
those of many other common plants, the superior merits of this generally
accounted troublesome weed have hitherto been much overlooked."
* * * * *
NEW-ZEALAND SPINACH. _Loud._
Tetragonia expansa.
This plant, botanically considered, is quite distinct from the common
garden Spinach; varying essentially in its foliage, flowers, seeds, and
general habit.
It is a hardy annual. The leaves are of a fine green color, large and
broad, and remarkably thick and fleshy; the branches are numerous,
round, succulent, pale-green, thick and strong,--the stalks recline upon
the ground for a large proportion of their length, but are erect at the
extremities; the flowers are produced in the axils of the leaves, are
small, green, and, except that they show their yellow anthers when they
expand, are quite inconspicuous; the fruit is of a dingy-brown color,
three-eighths of an inch deep, three-eighths of an inch in diameter at
the top or broadest part, hard and wood-like in texture, rude in form,
but somewhat urn-shaped, with four or five horn-like points at the top.
Three hundred and twenty-five of these fruits are contained in an ounce;
and they are generally sold and recognized as the seeds. They are,
however, really the fruit; six or eight of the true seeds being
contained in each. They retain their germinative powers five years.
_Propagation and Culture._--It is always raised from seed, which may be
sown in the open ground from April to July. Select a rich, moist soil,
pulverize it well, and rake the surface smooth. Make the drills three
feet apart, and an inch and a half or two inches deep; and sow the seed
thinly, or so as to secure a plant for each foot of row. In five or six
weeks from the planting, the branches will have grown sufficiently to
allow the gathering of the leaves for use. If the season should be very
dry, the plants will require watering. They grow vigorously, and, in
good soil, will extend, before the end of the season, three feet in each
direction.
_Gathering._--"The young leaves must be pinched or cut from the
branches; taking care not to injure the ends, or leading shoots. These
shoots, with the smaller ones that will spring out of the stalks at the
points where the leaves have been gathered, will produce a supply until
a late period in the season; for the plants are sufficiently hardy to
withstand the effects of light frosts without essential injury.
"Its superiority over the Common Spinach consists in the fact, that it
grows luxuriantly, and produces leaves of the greatest succulency, in
the hottest weather."
Anderson, one of its first cultivators, had but nine plants, which
furnished a gathering for the table every other day from the middle of
June. A bed of a dozen healthy plants will afford a daily supply for the
table of a large family.
_Seed._--To raise seed, leave two or three plants in the poorest soil of
the garden, without cutting the leaves. The seeds will ripen
successively, and should be gathered as they mature.
_Use._--It is cooked and served in the same manner as Common Spinach.
There are no described varieties.
* * * * *
ORACH.
Arrach. French Spinach. Mountain Spinach. Atriplex hortensis.
Orach is a hardy, annual plant, with an erect, branching stem, varying
in height from two to four feet, according to the variety. The leaves
are variously shaped, tut somewhat oblong, comparatively thin in
texture, and slightly acid to the taste; the flowers are small and
obscure, greenish or reddish, corresponding in a degree with the color
of the foliage of the plant; the seeds are small, black, and surrounded
with a thin, pale-yellow membrane,--they retain their vitality three
years.
_Soil and Culture._--It is raised from seed sown annually. As its
excellence depends on the size and succulent character of the leaves,
Orach is always best when grown in a rich, deep, and moist soil. The
first sowing may be made as soon in spring as the ground is in proper
condition; afterwards, for a succession, sowings may be made, at
intervals of two weeks, until June.
When the ground has been thoroughly dug over, and the surface made fine
and smooth, sow the seed in drills eighteen inches or two feet apart,
and cover three-fourths of an inch deep. When the young plants are two
or three inches high, thin them to ten or twelve inches apart, and
cultivate in the usual manner. Orach is sometimes transplanted, but
generally succeeds best when sown where the plants are to remain. In
dry, arid soil, it is comparatively worthless.
_To raise Seed._--Leave a few of the best plants without cutting, and
they will afford a plentiful supply of seeds in September.
_Use._--Orach is rarely found in the vegetable gardens of this country.
The leaves have a pleasant, slightly acid taste, and, with the tender
stalks, are used boiled in the same manner as Spinach or Sorrel, and are
often mixed with the latter to reduce the acidity. "The stalks are good
only while the plants are young; but the larger leaves may be picked off
in succession throughout the season, leaving the stalks and smaller
leaves untouched, by which the latter will increase in size. The Orach
thus procured is very tender, and much esteemed."
A few plants will afford an abundant supply.
_Varieties._--
GREEN ORACH. _Trans._
Dark-green Orach. Deep-green Orach. _Mill._
The leaves of this variety are of a dark, grass-green color, broad, much
wrinkled, slightly toothed, and bluntly pointed; the stalk of the plant
and the leaf-stems are strong and sturdy, and of the same color as the
leaves. It is the lowest growing of all the varieties.
LURID ORACH. _Trans._
Pale-red Orach.
Leaves pale-purple, tinged with dark-green,--the under surface
light-purple, with green veins, slightly wrinkled, terminating rather
pointedly, and toothed on the borders only toward the base, which forms
two acute angles; the stalk of the plant and the stems of the leaves are
bright-red, slightly streaked with white between the furrows,--height
three feet and upwards.
PURPLE ORACH. _Trans._
Dark-purple Orach.
Plant from three to four feet in height; leaves dull, dark-purple, more
wrinkled and more deeply toothed than those of any other variety. They
terminate somewhat obtusely, and form two acute angles at the base. The
stalk of the plant and the stems of the leaves are deep-red, and
slightly furrowed. The leaves change to green when boiled.
RED ORACH. _Trans._
Dark-red Orach. Bon Jardinier.
Leaves oblong-heart-shaped, somewhat wrinkled, and slightly toothed on
the margin: the upper surface is very dark, inclining to a dingy purple;
the under surface is of a much brighter color. The stems are deep-red
and slightly furrowed; height three feet and upwards.
This is an earlier but a less vigorous sort than the White. The leaves
of this variety, as also those of most of the colored sorts, change to
green in boiling.
RED-STALKED GREEN ORACH. _Trans._
Leaves dark-green, tinged with dull-brown, much wrinkled, toothed,
somewhat curled, terminating rather obtusely, and forming two acute
angles at the base; the stalk and the stems of the leaves are deep-red,
and slightly furrowed; the veins are very prominent. It is of tall
growth.
RED-STALKED WHITE ORACH. _Trans._
Purple-bordered Green Orach. _Miller._
Leaves somewhat heart-shaped, of a yellowish-green, tinged with brown.
Their margin is stained with purple, and a little dentated or toothed in
some cases, but not in all. The stalk and the stems of the leaves are of
a palish-red, and are slightly furrowed, as well as streaked with
pale-white between the furrows. The plant is of dwarfish growth.
WHITE ORACH. _Trans._
Pale-green Orache. _Neill._ White French Spinach. Yellow Orach.
Leaves pale-green or yellowish-green, much wrinkled, with long, tapering
points, strongly cut in the form of teeth towards the base, which forms
two acute angles; the stalk of the plant and the stems of the leaves are
of the same color as the foliage. It is comparatively of low growth.
* * * * *
PATIENCE.
Herb Patience. Patience Dock. Garden Patience. Rumex patientia.
This plant is a native of the south of Europe. It is a hardy perennial,
and, when fully grown, from four to five feet in height. The leaves are
large, long, broad, pointed; the leaf-stems are red; the flowers are
numerous, small, axillary, and of a whitish-green color,--they are put
forth in June and July, and the seeds ripen in August. The latter are
triangular, of a pale-brownish color, and will keep three years.
_Soil and Cultivation._--"The plant will grow well in almost any soil,
but best in one that is rich and rather moist. It may easily be raised
from seed sown in spring, in drills eighteen inches asunder; afterwards
thinning out the young plants to a foot apart in the rows. It may also
be sown broadcast in a seed-bed, and planted out; or the roots may be
divided, and set at the above distances.
"The plants should not be allowed to run up to flower, but should be cut
over several times in the course of the season, to induce them to throw
out young leaves in succession, and to prevent seed from being ripened,
and scattered about in all directions; for, when this takes place, the
plant becomes a troublesome weed."--_Thomp._
It is perfectly hardy, and, if cut over regularly, will continue healthy
and productive for several years. In the vicinity of gardens where it
has been cultivated, it is frequently found growing spontaneously.
_Use._--"The leaves were formerly much used as Spinach; and are still
eaten in some parts of France, where they are also employed in the early
part of the season as a substitute for Sorrel; being produced several
days sooner than the leaves of that plant."--_Thomp._
Its present neglect may arise from a want of the knowledge of the proper
method of using it. The leaves are put forth quite early in spring. They
should be cut while they are young and tender, and about a fourth part
of Common Sorrel mixed with them. In this way, Patience Dock is much
used in Sweden, and may be recommended as forming an excellent spinach
dish.
* * * * *
QUINOA (WHITE). _Law._
White-seeded Quinoa. Goose-foot. Chenopodium quinoa.
An annual plant from Mexico or Peru. Its stem is five or six feet in
height, erect and branching; the leaves are triangular, obtusely toothed
on the borders, pale-green, mealy while young, and comparatively smooth
when old; flowers whitish, very small, produced in compact clusters;
seeds small, yellowish-white, round, a little flattened, about a line in
diameter, and, on a cursory glance, might be mistaken for those of
millet; they retain their vegetative powers three years; about twelve
thousand are contained in an ounce.
_Sowing and Cultivation._--It is propagated from seeds which are sown in
April or May, in shallow drills three feet apart. As the seedlings
increase in size, they are gradually thinned to a foot apart in the
rows. The seeds ripen in September. In good soil, the plants grow
vigorously, and produce seeds and foliage in great abundance.
_Use._--The leaves are used as Spinach or Sorrel, or as greens. In some
places, the seeds are employed as a substitute for corn or wheat in the
making of bread, and are also raised for feeding poultry.
_Varieties._--
BLACK-SEEDED QUINOA.
The stalks of this variety are more slender, and the leaves smaller,
than those of the White-seeded. The plant is also stained with
brownish-red in all its parts. Seeds small, grayish-black.
It is sown, and in all respects treated, like the White. The seeds and
leaves are used in the same manner.
RED-SEEDED QUINOA. _Law._
Chenopodium sp.
This variety, or perhaps, more properly, species, is quite distinct from
the White-seeded. It grows to the height of six or eight feet, and even
more, with numerous long, spreading branches. The leaves are more
succulent than those of the last named, and are produced in greater
abundance. When sown at the same time, it ripens its seeds nearly a
month later.
Its foliage and seeds are used for the same purposes as the White. Sow
in rows three feet apart, and thin to fifteen inches in the rows.
* * * * *
SEA-BEET. _Trans._
Beta maritima.
The Sea-beet is a hardy, perennial plant. The roots are not eaten; but
the leaves, for which it is cultivated, are an excellent substitute for
Spinach, and are even preferred by many to that delicate vegetable. If
planted in good soil, it will continue to supply the table with leaves
for many years. The readiest method of increasing the plants is by
seeds; but they may be multiplied to a small extent by dividing the
roots.
The early-produced leaves are the best, and these are fit for use from
May until the plants begin to run to flower; but they may be continued
in perfection through the whole summer and autumn by cutting off the
flower-stems as they arise, and thus preventing the blossoming.
There are two varieties:--
ENGLISH SEA-BEET.
The English Sea-beet is a dwarfish, spreading or trailing plant, with
numerous angular, leafy branches. The lower leaves are ovate, three or
four inches in length, dark-green, waved on the margin, and of thick,
fleshy texture; the upper leaves are smaller, and nearly sessile.
Sow in April or May, in rows sixteen or eighteen inches apart, and an
inch in depth; thin to twelve inches in the rows. The leaves should not
be cut from seedling plants during the first season, or until the roots
are well established.
IRISH SEA-BEET.
This differs from the preceding variety in the greater size of its
leaves, which are also of a paler green: the stems are not so numerous,
and it appears to be earlier in running to flower. The external
differences are, however, trifling; but the flavor of this, when
dressed, is far superior to that of the last named.
It requires the same treatment in cultivation as the English Sea-beet.
* * * * *
SHEPHERD'S PURSE.
Thlaspi Bursa pastoris.
A hardy, annual plant, growing naturally and abundantly about gardens,
roadsides, and in waste places. The root-leaves spread out from a common
centre, are somewhat recumbent, pinnatifid-toothed, and, in good soil,
attain a length of eight or ten inches; the stem-leaves are oval,
arrow-shaped at the base, and rest closely upon the stalk. When in
blossom, the plant is from twelve to fifteen inches in height; the
flowers are small, white, and four-petaled; the seeds are small, of a
reddish-brown color, and retain their vitality five years.
_Propagation and Cultivation._--It is easily raised from seed, which
should be sown in May, where the plants are to remain. Sow in shallow
drills twelve or fourteen inches apart, and cover with fine mould. Thin
the young plants to four inches asunder, and treat the growing crop in
the usual manner during the summer. Late in autumn, cover the bed with
coarse stable-litter, and remove it the last of February. In March and
April, the plants will be ready for the table.
_Use._--It is used in the manner of Spinach. "When boiled, the taste
approaches that of the Cabbage, but is softer and milder. The plant
varies wonderfully in size, and succulence of leaves, according to the
nature and state of the soil where it grows. Those from the gardens and
highly cultivated spots near Philadelphia come to a remarkable size, and
succulence of leaf. It may be easily bleached by the common method; and,
in that state, would be a valuable addition to our list of delicate
culinary vegetables."
In April and May it may be gathered, growing spontaneously about
cultivated lands; and, though not so excellent as the cultivated plants,
will yet be found of good quality.
* * * * *
SORREL.
Rumex. sp. et var.
Sorrel is a hardy perennial. The species, as well as varieties, differ
to a considerable extent in height and general habit; yet their uses and
culture are nearly alike.
_Soil and Cultivation._--All of the sorts thrive best in rich, moist
soil; but may be grown in almost any soil or situation. The seeds are
sown in April or May, in drills fifteen or eighteen inches apart, and
covered half an inch in depth. The young plants should be thinned to
twelve inches apart; and, in July and August, the leaves will be
sufficiently large for gathering.
The varieties are propagated by dividing the roots in April or May; and
this method must be adopted in propagating the dioecious kinds, when
male plants are required. "The best plants, however, are obtained from
seed; but the varieties, when sown, are liable to return to their
original type. All the care necessary is to hoe the ground between the
rows, when needed to fork it over in spring and autumn, and to take up
the plants, divide and reset them every three or four years, or less
frequently, if they are growing vigorously and produce full-sized
leaves."
All of the sorts, whether produced from seeds or by parting the roots,
will send up a flower-stalk in summer; and this it is necessary to cut
out when first developed, in order to render the leaves larger and more
tender.
The plants will require no special protection or care during the winter;
though a slight covering of strawy, stable litter may be applied after
the forking-over of the bed in the autumn, just before the closing-up of
the ground.
_Use._--It enters into most of the soups and sauces for which French
cookery is so famed, and they preserve it in quantities for winter use.
It forms as prominent an article in the markets of Paris as does Spinach
in those of this country; and it has been asserted, that, amongst all
the recent additions to our list of esculent plants, "we have not one so
wholesome, so easy of cultivation, or one that would add so much to the
sanitary condition of the community, particularly of that class who live
much upon salt provisions."
The species and varieties are as follow:--
ALPINE SORREL.
Oseille des Neiges. _Vil._ Rumex nivalis.
A new, perennial species, found upon the Alps, near the line of
perpetual snow. The root-leaves are somewhat heart-shaped, thick, and
fleshy; stem simple, with verticillate branches; flower dioecious.
It is one of the earliest as well as the hardiest of the species,
propagates more readily than Alpine plants in general, and is said to
compare favorably in quality with the Mountain Sorrel or Patience Dock.
COMMON SORREL.
R. acetosa.
This is a hardy perennial, and, when fully grown, is about two feet in
height. The flowers--which are small, very numerous, and of a reddish
color--are dioecious, the fertile and barren blossoms being produced
on separate plants; the seeds are small, triangular, smooth, of a
brownish color, and retain their germinative properties two years. An
ounce contains nearly thirty thousand seeds.
Of the Common Sorrel, there are five varieties, as follow:--
BELLEVILLE SORREL.
Broad-leaved. Oseille Large de Belleville. _Vil._
Leaves ten or twelve inches long by six inches in diameter; leaf-stems
red at the base. Compared with the Common Garden Sorrel, the leaves are
larger and less acid.
The variety is considered much superior to the last-named sort, and is
the kind usually grown by market-gardeners in the vicinity of Paris.
It should be planted in rows eighteen inches apart, and the plants
thinned to a foot apart in the rows.
BLISTERED-LEAF SORREL. _Trans._
Radical leaves nine inches long, four inches wide, oval-hastate or
halberd-shaped, growing on long footstalks. The upper leaves are more
blistered than those attached to the root; the flower-stems are short.
The principal difference between this variety and the Common, or
Broad-leaved, consists in its blistered foliage.
It is slow in the development of its flower-stem, and consequently
remains longer in season for use. The leaves are only slightly acid in
comparison with those of the Common Sorrel. It is a perennial, and must
be increased by a division of its roots; for being only a variety, and
not permanently established, seedlings from it frequently return to the
Belleville, from whence it sprung.
FERVENT'S NEW LARGE SORREL.
Oseille de Fervent. _Vil._
An excellent sort, with large, yellowish-green, blistered leaves and red
leaf-stems. It is comparatively hardy, puts forth its leaves early, and
produces abundantly.
The rows should be eighteen inches apart.
GREEN OR COMMON GARDEN SORREL.
Root-leaves large, halberd-shaped, and supported on stems six inches in
length. The upper leaves are small, narrow, sessile, and clasping. A
hardy sort; but, on account of its greater acidity, not so highly
esteemed as the Belleville.
Sow in rows fifteen inches apart, and thin to eight or ten inches in the
rows.
SARCELLE BLOND SORREL.
Blond de Sarcelle. _Vil._
This is a sub-variety of the Belleville, with longer and narrower leaves
and paler leaf-stems. It puts forth its leaves earlier in the season
than the Common Sorrel, and is of excellent quality. The seed rarely
produces the variety in its purity, and it is generally propagated by
dividing the roots.
ROUND-LEAVED ON FRENCH SORREL. _Thomp._
Roman Sorrel. Oseille rond. _Vil._ R. scutatus.
This is a hardy perennial, a native of France and Switzerland. Its stem
is trailing, and from twelve to eighteen inches in height or length; the
leaves vary in form, but are usually roundish-heart-shaped or
halberd-shaped, smooth, glaucous, and entire on the borders; the flowers
are hermaphrodite, yellowish; the leaves are more acid than those of the
varieties of the preceding species, and for this reason are preferred by
many.
The variety is hardy and productive, but not much cultivated.
It requires eighteen inches' space between the rows, and a foot in the
rows. There is but one variety.
MOUNTAIN SORREL.
Oseille verge. _Vil._ R. montanus.
The leaves of this variety are large, oblong, of thin texture, and of a
pale-green color; the root-leaves are numerous, about nine inches long
and four inches wide, slightly blistered. It is later than the Common
Garden Sorrel in running to flower; and is generally propagated by
dividing the roots, but may also be raised from seeds. The leaves are
remarkable for their acidity.
This is the _Rumex montanus_ of modern botanists, though formerly
considered as a variety of _R. acetosa_.
BLISTERED-LEAVED MOUNTAIN SORREL.
This variety is distinguished from the Green Mountain Sorrel by its
larger, more blistered, and thinner leaves. The leaf-stems are also
longer, and, as well as the nerves and the under surface of the leaf,
finely spotted with red. It starts early in spring, and is slow in
running up to flower.
GREEN MOUNTAIN SORREL.
This is an improved variety of the Mountain Sorrel, and preferable to
any other, from the greater size and abundance of its leaves, which
possess much acidity. It is also late in running to flower.
The leaves are large, numerous, ovate-sagittate, from ten to eleven
inches long, and nearly five inches in width; the radical leaves are
slightly blistered, and of a dark, shining green color. It can only be
propagated by dividing the roots.
The plants require a space of eighteen inches between the rows, and a
foot from plant to plant in the rows.
* * * * *
SPINACH.
Spinacia oleracea.
Spinach is a hardy annual, of Asiatic origin. When in flower, the plant
is from two to three feet in height; the stem is erect, furrowed,
hollow, and branching; the leaves are smooth, succulent, and oval-oblong
or halberd-shaped,--the form varying in the different varieties. The
fertile and barren flowers are produced on separate plants,--the former
in groups, close to the stalk at every joint; the latter in long,
terminal bunches, or clusters. The seeds vary in a remarkable degree in
their form and general appearance; those of some of the kinds being
round and smooth, while others are angular and prickly: they retain
their vitality five years. An ounce contains nearly twenty-four hundred
of the prickly seeds, and about twenty-seven hundred of the round or
smooth.
_Soil and Cultivation._--Spinach is best developed, and most tender and
succulent, when grown in rich soil. For the winter sorts, the soil can
hardly be made too rich.
It is always raised from seeds, which are sown in drills twelve or
fourteen inches apart, and three-fourths of an inch in depth. The seeds
are sometimes sown broadcast; but the drill method is preferable, not
only because the crop can be cultivated with greater facility, but the
produce is more conveniently gathered. For a succession, a few seeds of
the summer varieties may be sown, at intervals of a fortnight, from
April till August.
_Taking the Crop._--"When the leaves are two or three inches broad, they
will be fit for gathering. This is done either by cutting them up with a
knife wholly to the bottom, drawing and clearing them out by the root,
or only cropping the large outer leaves; the root and heart remaining to
shoot out again. Either method can be adopted, according to the season
or other circumstances."--_Rogers._
_To raise Seed._--Spinach seeds abundantly; and a few of the fertile
plants, with one or two of the infertile, will yield all that will be
required for a garden of ordinary size. Seeds of the winter sorts should
be saved from autumn sowings, and from plants that have survived the
winter.
_Use._--The leaves and young stems are the only parts of the plant used.
They are often boiled and served alone; and sometimes, with the addition
of sorrel-leaves, are used in soups, and eaten with almost every
description of meat. "The expressed juice is often employed by cooks and
confectioners for giving a green color to made dishes. When eaten
freely, it is mildly laxative, diuretic, and cooling. Of itself, it
affords little nourishment. It should be boiled without the addition of
water, beyond what hangs to the leaves in rinsing them; and, when
cooked, the moisture which naturally comes from the leaves should be
pressed out before being sent to the table. The young leaves were at one
period used as a salad."--_M'Int._
_Varieties._--
FLANDERS SPINACH. _Trans._
This is a winter Spinach, and is considered superior to the Prickly or
Common Winter Spinach, which is in general cultivation during the winter
season in our gardens. It is equally hardy, perhaps hardier.
The leaves are doubly hastate or halberd shaped, and somewhat wrinkled:
the lower ones measure from twelve to fourteen inches in length, and
from six to eight in breadth. They are not only larger, but thicker and
more succulent, than those of the Prickly Spinach. The whole plant grows
more bushy, and produces a greater number of leaves from each root; and
it is sometimes later in running to seed. The seeds are like those of
the Round or Summer Spinach, but larger: they are destitute of the
prickles which distinguish the seeds of the Common Winter Spinach.
For winter use, sow at the time directed for sowing the Large
Prickly-seeded, but allow more space between the rows than for that
variety; subsequent culture, and treatment during the winter, the same
as the Prickly-seeded.
LARGE PRICKLY-SEEDED SPINACH.
Large Winter Spinach. Epinard d'Angleterre. _Vil._
Leaves comparatively large, rounded at the ends, thick and succulent. In
foliage and general character, it is similar to some of the round-seeded
varieties; but is much hardier, and slower in running to seed. It is
commonly known as "Winter Spinach," and principally cultivated for use
during this portion of the year. The seeds are planted towards the last
of August, in drills a foot apart, and nearly an inch in depth. When
well up, the plants should be thinned to four or five inches apart in
the drills; and, if the weather is favorable, they will be stocky and
vigorous at the approach of severe weather. Before the closing-up of the
ground, lay strips of joist or other like material between the rows,
cover all over with clean straw, and keep the bed thus protected until
the approach of spring or the crop has been gathered for use.
LETTUCE-LEAVED SPINACH.
Epinard à Feuille de Laitue. _Vil._ Epinard Gaudry.
Leaves very large, on short stems, rounded, deep-green, with a bluish
tinge, less erect than those of the other varieties, often blistered on
the surface, and of thick substance. It is neither so early nor so hardy
as some others; but it is slow in the development of its flower-stalk,
and there are few kinds more productive or of better quality. The seeds
are round and smooth. For a succession, a sowing should be made at
intervals of two weeks.
"A variety called 'Gaudry,' if not identical, is very similar to this."
SORREL-LEAVED SPINACH.
Leaves of medium size, halberd-formed, deep-green, thick, and fleshy. A
hardy and productive sort, similar to the Yellow or White Sorrel-leaved,
but differing in the deeper color of its stalks and leaves.
SUMMER OR ROUND-LEAVED SPINACH.
Round Dutch. Epinard de Hollande. _Vil._
Leaves large, thick, and fleshy, rounded at the ends, and entire, or
nearly entire, on the borders.
This variety is generally grown for summer use; but it soon runs to
seed, particularly in warm and dry weather. Where a constant supply is
required, a sowing should be made every fortnight, commencing as early
in spring as the frost leaves the ground. The seeds are round and
smooth. Plants from the first sowing will be ready for use the last of
May or early in June.
In Belgium and Germany, a sub-variety is cultivated, with smaller and
deeper-colored foliage, and which is slower in running to flower. It is
not, however, considered preferable to the Common Summer or
Round-leaved.
WINTER OR COMMON PRICKLY SPINACH.
Epinard ordinaire. _Vil._
Leaves seven or eight inches long, halberd-shaped, deep-green, thin in
texture, and nearly erect on the stalk of the plant; seeds prickly.
From this variety most of the improved kinds of Prickly Spinach have
been obtained; and the Common Winter or Prickly-seeded is now considered
scarcely worthy of cultivation.
YELLOW SORREL-LEAVED SPINACH.
White Sorrel-leaved Spinach. Blond à Feuille d'Oseille. _Vil._
The leaves of this variety are similar in form and appearance to those
of the Garden Sorrel. They are of medium size, entire on the border,
yellowish-white at the base, greener at the tips, and blistered on the
surface.
New. Represented as being hardy, productive, slow in the development of
its flower-stalk, and of good quality.
* * * * *
WILD OR PERENNIAL SPINACH.
Good King Henry. Tota Bona. Goose-foot. Blitum Bonus Henricus.
A hardy perennial plant, indigenous to Great Britain, and naturalized to
a very limited extent in this country. Its stem is two feet and a half
in height; the leaves are arrow-shaped, smooth, deep-green, undulated
on the borders, and mealy on their under surface; the flowers are
numerous, small, greenish, and produced in compact groups, or clusters;
the seeds are small, black, and kidney-shaped.
_Propagation and Culture._--"It may be propagated by seed sown in April
or May, and transplanted, when the plants are fit to handle, into a
nursery-bed. In August or September, they should be again transplanted
where they are to remain, setting them in rows a foot apart, and ten
inches asunder in the rows, in ground of a loamy nature, trenched to the
depth of fifteen or eighteen inches, as their roots penetrate to a
considerable depth. The following spring, the leaves are fit to gather
for use; and should be picked as they advance, taking the largest first.
In this way, a bed will continue productive for several years.
"Being a hardy perennial, it may also be increased by dividing the plant
into pieces, each having a portion of the root and a small bit of the
crown, which is thickly set with buds, which spring freely on being
replanted.
"Most of the species of this genus, both indigenous and exotic, are
plants of easy cultivation, and may be safely used as articles of
food."--_M'Int._
_Use._--The same as Spinach.