Circular 4HEHL 24

Florida 4-H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual: Vegetables1 J. M. Stephens2

There are 45 vegetables you should know in The edible heads are immature, unopened flower preparing for the 4–H Horticulture Contest. Each has buds. Each large bud is globular, bluntly pine-cone been selected based on its popularity as an item in shaped and composed of many layers of deep green gardens, fields, and/or market places throughout the bracts. The edible parts are the fleshy bases of the state. Each is listed alphabetically according to its bracts and the center or heart to which the bracts and common name. The scientific name is included to violet colored flower parts are attached. The plant is tall establish a positive identity and for reference purposes. growing, spreading, with deeply notched, pointed leaves which attach to a stump several inches in diameter. See Contestants should keep in mind that any Figure 1. characteristic plant part may be shown to test identification skills. However, the more common a vegetable might be, the more likely it is that a plant part other than the main edible part would appear in "The Contest."

The plants in this section of the study manual are described using many botanical terms. These terms are used to describe types of leaves, leaf position and arrangement, leaf shapes, leaf margins, flower parts and flower arrangement. It may be helpful, when studying these plant descriptions, to refer to the glossary of terms located in the rules and glossary section of the Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual. Space is provided for you to write notes that help you identify the plant. You may also want to cut out photographs from old nursery magazines and catalogs to glue or tape in this manual to further help you in identification. Figure 1. Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Artichoke, Globe (Cynara scolymus)

1. This document is Circular 4HEHL 24, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publicationdate:March1992. Reviewed January 2009. 2. James M. Stephens, professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Christine Taylor Stephens, Dean Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 2

Artichoke, Jerusalem (Helianthus tuberosus) Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

The edible tubers are elongated, knobby, white, red The edible portion is the aerial stem or spear or purple skinned. Several tubers are clustered at the growing from a below-ground crown. Foliage is light base of each stem. The plant is upright, tall-growing green and fern-like. Small fruits are round and berry- with bristly woody stems, green pointed leaves, and like. When young, they are green, turning red when yellow sunflower-like flowers. See Figure 2. mature; then black when fully ripened. The entire fruit is planted as a seed. See Figure 3.

Figure 2. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

Figure 3. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 3

Bean, Snap (Phaseolus vulgaris) Bean, Lima (Phaseolus lunatus)

Plants may be bush or vining type. Leaves are Plants are usually bushy but are sometimes climbing. compound with 3 large, somewhat heart-shaped leaflets Leaves are glossy green, crisp-textured and pointed. per leaf. Size, shape, and color of pods vary widely Flowers are similar to snap beans. Pods are broad, short, from small green snap to yellow wax and much larger flat, and pointed at the blossom-end. Each contains 3-5 green pole varieties. Seeds are round and slightly flat, oval seeds which may be colored in a rather wide elongated, ranging in color from white to black and range of hues, from white to light green to shades of red many in-between shades. See Figure 4. and black. See Figure 5.

Figure 5. Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus)

Figure 4. Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 4

Beet (Beta vulgaris) Broccoli (Brassica oleracea, Italica group)

The leaf blades are dark green with reddish veins, The plants are cauliflower-like, bearing heads which and are attached to long reddish upright leaf stems that are clusters of deep green flower buds. Heads are cut form a rosette at their base. The edible root is round, with a portion of the tender stalk before the buds open somewhat top-shaped and deep red in color, sometimes into tiny flowers. Leaves are similar to collards, but yellow. The seed is tan with a rough corn cob much smaller. Seeds are similar to cabbage. See Figure appearance, similar to chard. See Figure 6. 7.

Figure 7. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea, Italica group) Figure 6. Beet (Beta vulgaris) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 5

Brussels Sprouts Cabbage (Brassica oleracea, Capitata group) (Brassica oleracea, Gemmifera group) Large, round, glossy leaves are cupped into large, The plants are upright with a single stalk thickly set round, sometimes pointed, firm heads. Color may be with small, firm, cabbage-like heads. Leaves are similar dark green, yellowish green or deep red. Leaf texture to broccoli and cauliflower, but more circular in shape. may be smooth or crinkled. Brownish-black seeds are Seeds are similar to cabbage. See Figure 8. round and about the size of bird-shot pellets. See Figure 9.

Figure 9. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea, Capitata group) Figure 8. Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea, Gemmifera group) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 6

Carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa) Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea, Botrytis group) Yellowish orange roots vary in shape from long cylindrical to short blunt. The leaves are deeply cut with Long, tapering, cabbage-like leaves surround a a lacy appearance. Seeds are small, straw to brown in central, terminal, fleshy, creamy white, tightly-formed color, flat on one side and curved on the other, with 4 to head similar to broccoli, though individual flower buds 6 ridges on the curved side, similar to celery except are not present. There are green-headed and purple- much larger. See Figure 10. headed varieties. Cauliflower seeds resemble those of cabbage. See Figure 11.

Figure 11. Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea, Botrytis group)

Figure 10. Carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 7

Celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) Chard, Swiss (Beta vulgaris, Cicla group)

Flat, notched, yellowish-green leaves are attached to The leaves are large, smooth, beet-like and grow crisp, fleshy, smooth-ribbed leaf stems and are joined at upright from a central crown. Each leaf has a long, the base to form long cylindrical stalks. The striped white, fleshy petiole or stem. Color varies from medium seeds are very similar to carrot seeds, but much smaller. to deep green. One variety has deep red stems and See Figure 12. midribs. Seeds are corky, similar to beet seeds. See Figure 13.

Figure 13. Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris, Cicla group)

Figure 12. Celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 8

Chayote (Sechium edule) Cabbage, Chinese (Brassica campestris, Chinensis or Pekinensis group) This cucurbit has climbing vines and leaves resembling the cucumber. The light-green pear-shaped Long, cylindrical or round upright heads are formed fruit, which contains a single flat edible seed, may weigh by tightly bunched leaves with large, fleshy midribs. as much as 2-3 pounds (average is 8 ounces). Fruits are The base of the head resembles celery and leaves are pale green to dark green, slightly flattened, sometimes similar to mustard. Bok Choy is a non-heading type grooved and prickly, but usually smooth. Flowers are with several fleshy, white leaf stalks tipped with a glossy large, yellow and cucumber-like. See Figure 14. dark-green leaves. Seeds are round and cabbage-like. See Figure 15.

Figure 15. Chinese Cabbage (Brassica campestris, Chinensis or Pekinensis group)

Figure 14. Chayote (Sechium edule) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 9

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) Collards (Brassica oleracea, Acephala group)

Small, dark green, onion-like plants that grow in The plant does not form a head. Glossy, blue-green, clumps. Leaves are very thin, tubular and hollow, cabbage-like leaves are attached by slender stems to an resembling small green onions but without characteristic upright, single, round stalk which may reach several feet onion odor. Plants are non-bulbing. See Figure 16. in length. Seeds resemble those of cabbage. See Figure 17.

Figure 16. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Figure 17. Collards (Brassica oleracea, Acephala group) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 10

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

The plant is vining with large, lobed, green, bristly The plant is large, upright and branching. Leaves leaves and long stems. Fruits are elongated, cylindrical, are broad, smooth and slightly fuzzy. Stems are prickly, yellow-green to dark green and either spiny or smooth. especially near the leathery green cap at fruit attachment. Size is variable, depending on variety. The lemon Fruits are oblong to round and may be green, white, cucumber is almost round and bright yellow in color. yellow, bronze, orange, purple or most commonly black. Flowers are small, yellow and somewhat cupped. A Some varieties have small (1-inch diameter) fruits, while female flower has a tiny cucumber-like appendage which most average about 1 pound. Flowers are small, is the undeveloped ovary. Seeds are creamy-white, flat, somewhat star-shaped and lavender in color. Seeds are buttonhole shaped, tapering at both ends and about 3 very similar to pepper seed but are smaller and darker in times longer than wide. See Figure 18. color. See Figure 19.

Figure 18. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Figure 19. Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 11

Endive (Cichorium endivia) Garlic (Allium sativum)

The plant has upright to spreading growth similar to The plant is bulbing and onion-like in appearance leaf lettuce but does not form a head. Leaves are curled, except for green leaves which are flat. Bulbs may be deeply cut and fringed, with white to pale green midribs. separated into sections (cloves) and have a distinct, The broadleaf type is called escarole. Seeds are pungent odor and white to purplish color. See Figure elongated, straight, and slender. See Figure 20. 21.

Figure 20. Endive (Chichorium endivia) Figure 21. Garlic (Allium sativum) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 12

Kale (Brassica oleracea, Acephala group) Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea, Gongylodes group) The leaves are the same general size as collards, but with very frilled margins. Color is deep green and The leaves rise from turnip-like enlargements of the texture very coarse and crisp. Some ornamental varieties stem just above ground level. This swollen stem is light show colorful combinations of red, white, and green. green or purple in color. Leaves are similar to collards, Seeds are cabbage-like. See Figure 22. but smaller. Seeds are cabbage-like. See Figure 23.

Figure 22. Kale (Brassica oleracea, Acephala group)

Figure 23. Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea, Gongylodes group) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 13

Leek (Allium porrum) Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The plant is very similar to a large green onion. The specimen shown may be any of the following Leaves are smooth and flat and are arranged in a fan-like types. fashion spreading in 2 directions. Unlike garlic, there is Crisphead — Large firm and round heads are very little bulb development. Seeds are black and onion- surrounded by broad green wrapper leaves. like. See Figure 24. Leaf — Heads are loosely formed with leaves varying greatly in color (red, bronze, yellow, green), size and shape (wavy, notched or frilled). Butterhead — Heads are soft, velvety smooth, surrounded by green wrapper leaves. Romaine (Cos) — Leaves with prominent central ribs are gathered in a loose fashion to form an upright head similar to Chinese cabbage. Lettuce seeds are small, tapered at each end and may be straw or black in color. See Figure 25.

Figure 24. Leek (Allium porrum)

Figure 25. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 14

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) Mustard (Brassica juncea var. crispifolia)

The plant is vining, but non-climbing. Leaves are The plant is erect, 1-3 feet tall, and leafy. Leaves lobed, similar to cucumber, but not as angular. Fruit is may be elongated or broad with smooth margins or round to oval, sometimes ribbed, sometimes with a margins may be notched or curly. Texture is lighter than netted surface and has interior seed cavity. Flesh may collards and midrib light green and not as fleshy as be orange or green. Seed is similar to cucumber seed, Swiss chard. Seeds are similar to cabbage but smaller. but a little larger and more orange in color. See Figure See Figure 27. 26.

Figure 26. Muskmelon (Cucumis melo)

Figure 27. Mustard (Brassica juncea var. crispifolia) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 15

Okra (Hibiscus esculentus) Onion (Allium cepa)

Fruit or pods are pointed at the blossom end, white Onions grow as single plants or in bunches. Leaves to dark green, ribbed or smooth, spiny or spineless. are slender, dark green and tubular, become red, white, Leaves are broad, notched and fuzzy. Seeds are almost yellow or purple and thickened or bulbous at the base. round and dark gray in color with a seed stem scar. The base varies from pencil size to round, oblong, top- Seeds are about buckshot size. Large conical-shaped, shaped or flat. Fibrous roots extend from the center of light-yellow flowers are violet at the petal base. See the base. Seeds are small and black resembling tiny Figure 28. chips of coal. See Figure 29.

Figure 28. Okra (Hibiscus esculentus) Figure 29. Onion (Allium cepa) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 16

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

The plant is low growing with dark green, curly or Long, smooth, tapering, yellowish-white, carrot- smooth foliage of soft, delicate texture. Leaves, which shaped roots are the edible portion. The foliage is deep arise from a central crown, are celery-like except they green and similar in size and shape to broadleaf parsley. are borne on very slender, green stems. One type has a Seeds are round, flat, papery thin and brown to tan in long slender, white tap-root. Seeds are similar to carrot. color. See Figure 31. See Figure 30.

Figure 31. Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) Figure 30. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 17

Pea, English (Pisum sativum) Pea, Southern (Vigna unguiculata)

English pea plants are vining with roundish green Plants are bean-like, sometimes bush and often leaves attached to slender stems at nodes. Curling vining, with long trailing tendrils. Green leaves are tendrils occur at tips of branches. Pod stems arise at leaf trifoliate, round and pointed, and glossy-smooth. Pods nodes producing 1 or 2 pods each. Pods are plump with are long, slender, pointed, and variously colored from 5-10 round green seeds per pod, or flat with tiny yellow to green, purple, and black. Seeds are plump, not undeveloped seeds. See Figure 32. as flat as beans, and are many-colored. Seed coat and eye color ranges from black to green, pink and purple. Roots, like beans, have nodules. See Figure 33.

Figure 33. Southern Pea (Vigna unguiculata) Figure 32. English Pea (Pisum sativum) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 18

Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Potato, Irish (Solanum tuberosum)

The plants are much branched with glossy green The leaves are compound, soft green in color with (sometimes purple) leaves. Fruits are hollow pods with a slightly rough texture. Edible tubers are oblong to many white, flat, roundish seeds attached to the central round in shape, red, green or brownish in color and core. There is much variation in size, shape (from long, smooth skinned with slight indentions (eyes). Small (½- thin to large, roundish), color (green, red, yellow) and inch diameter) flowers range from white to purple. taste (from mild to hot). Flowers are small (½-inch Fruits resemble tiny green tomatoes. See Figure 35. diameter) pale yellow to white, with the corolla tightly held by a green calyx. See Figure 34.

Figure 35. Irish Potato (Solanum tubersoum)

Figure 34. Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 19

Potato, Sweet (Ipomoea batatas) Radish (Raphanus sativus)

The plant is a trailing vine with heart-shaped or The edible roots are spherical or elongated, may be deeply notched, glossy green leaves that may have a red, pink, white or black in color. A rosette of fuzzy reddish tint. The edible roots vary in shape from long, green leaves on slender stems grows from the top of slender to round with most being pointed at one or both root. The seeds are off-round, rose-colored, very hard, ends. Root color may be cream, red, yellow, or purple. about size of match head. Some of the large winter Flowers are typical morning-glory shape. See Figure 36. radishes may reach 20 pounds or more. See Figure 37.

Figure 36. Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Figure 37. Radish (Raphanus sativus) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 20

Rutabaga Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) (Brassica napus, Napobrassica group) The plants are compact, upright to slightly spreading The edible roots are smooth, larger than turnips, with tender dark green leaves forming a rosette. Leaves slightly oblong and white or pale yellow with or without are glossy, may be smooth or crumpled and are usually purple at the top. The leaves are collard-like. Seeds are pointed. Seeds are straw colored and similar in size to similar to cabbage. See Figure 38. radish seed. Seed shape varies from round, smooth to prickly, pointed. See Figure 39.

Figure 39. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Figure 38. Rutabaga (Brassica napus, Napobrassica group) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 21

Squash, Butternut (Cucurbita moschata) Squash, Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

Fruits are very firm with tough outer skin making Fruits are thin-skinned with solid, crisp succulent them suitable for storage. The beige-yellow fruits interiors. There is no seed cavity. Fruits are elongated, average 1-3 pounds and have a hollow seed cavity. somewhat larger at the blossom-end, and range in the Fruits are usually bell-shaped, but sometimes blocky- color from dark green to bright yellow. Some are round. Tan seeds are flat with indistinct edges. See striped while others are solid color. The large, yellow Figure 40. flower blossoms are both male and female. While the zucchini grows on a bush, the stems may appear viny at times. Leaves are large, deeply notched, and show a mottling of light green on a darker green background. The white, flat seed has a double margin-ring, typical of all pepo types. See Figure 41.

Figure 40. Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata)

Figure 41. Zucchini Squash (Cucurbita pepo) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 22

Sweet Corn (Zea mays) Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

The plant is upright, often growing to a height of 8 The plants are succulent, fuzzy-stemmed, bushy or feet or more. The 1-2 inch diameter stem has several vining. Leaves are compound, green and soft-textured. internodes which are nearly smooth in the upper part, but Fruits vary in shape (round, pear, oblong); in color (red, somewhat grooved lower on the plant. Leaves, called pink, yellow, green, white); and in size (cherry size to 1 "blades," are long, sharp-edged, pointed and covered pound or more). The seed is small, fuzzy, tan in color with hairs on top. Ear shoots develop at the base of and resembles eggplant and pepper seed. Flowers are internodes. The ear (female flower) is wrapped with small (½-inch diameter or less) with yellow open corolla leaves and contains a slender "cob" covered with rows of attached to a green calyx. See Figure 43. kernels (seeds), each attached to a threadlike "silk." The male flowers are in the tassel at the top of the stalk. The seed kernel is plump and smooth when fresh, but may be hard and wrinkled when dried. Seed color varies from white and yellow to hues of red. See Figure 42.

Figure 43. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Figure 42. Sweet Corn (Zea mays) Florida 4–H Horticulture Identification and Judging Study Manual — Vegetables Page 23

Turnip (Brassica rapa) Watermelon (Citrullus lunatus)

Both tops and roots are edible. Leaves are green The plants are vines with deeply notched leaves and and fuzzy, notched but not curly, and attached to slender many tendrils. Fruits range in shape from oblong to succulent stems that often show purple coloration. Roots round and vary greatly in size. Exterior color is light to are globular or flat and all white or white with a purple dark green and may be striped or solid. Interior is white top. The flesh is smooth, crisp and white. Seeds are when immature, turning red, pink or yellow at maturity. cabbage-like. Turnips most closely resemble radish and Seeds are oval, flat and smooth varying in color from mustard. See Figure 44. creamy white to speckled to black. See Figure 45.

Figure 45. Watermelon (Citrullus lunatus)

Figure 44. Turnip (Brassica rapa)