April+7

April 7th

When we checked up on the growth of the cauliflower and kale, we were startled to see one sample of kale in an unhealthy appearance. The sprouts have started to limp and tangle with other sprouts. Noticeably is the density of growth among kale. The sample of kale that has started to deteriorate is grown in special soil, with added nutrients. The other kale sample, growing fine, is grown in completely unaltered soil. After discussion, we assume the unhealthy appearance is attributed to dehydration occuring over the break. The reason, if dehydration is the reason, is unclear why one sample would loose more moisture than the other. All 4 cauliflower samples have grown normally, with no change in appearance besides increased height.

A second note is that in the healthy kale sample, many sprouts have started to grow secondary leaves, that are a completely different shape that other leaves. This "secondary leaf" has almost always grown between the two "primary leaves". While the "primary leaves" are have rounded edges and have two distinct sections, the "secondary leaf" has only one section, with serrated edges. The texture of this leaf also seems to be darker than the primary leaves. On all sprouts observed growing secondary leaves, there is only one secondary leaf on each sprout.

Because cauliflower and kale are extremely closely related, and from current samples the shape and growth of the sprouts are very similiar, I hypothesize that the cauliflower will also sprout secondary leaves similar to the kale.