668 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



7 GEORGE V, A. 1917 



giving them a place amongst the above or a place in preference to better known varie- 

 ties of the same flowers : — 



Sunflovrer, Unique Red, similar to New Red. 

 " Langley Gem, similar to New Red. 



Zinnia, Double Curled and Crested. 



Cuphea miniata. 



Ornamental Chilian Beet. 



Red lloimtain Spinach (Atriplex hortensis). 



Double Mixed Daisies (BelUs). 



Salvia patens. Early dwarf, blue flowered. 



Tithonia speciosa. 



BULBS. 



For growing in pots for house decoration, the class of plants known as " bulbs " 

 has few rivals. This is due to the fact that few flowers can be grown with such a 

 minimum amount of care and attentioii. By following a few of the simplest rules 

 beautiful blossoms always result. 



A previous report treated of bulbs as flowers for beds and borders. The list of lailbs 

 which follow in this report consist of those which have been found to be specially 

 suited for forcing in the house or greenhouse. 



The bulbs are received about September of each year and are potted up into 

 6-inch pots during October. Ordinary greenhouse soil consisting of rotted sod and a 

 little sand is used for potting. The pots are then placed in a cool root cellar for 

 several months. During this period roots are formed. 



The Narcissi and early tulips are brought up into the greenhouse towards the 

 end of December or early in January. For the first few days, after coming up from 

 the semi-darkness of the cellar, they are kept in a subdued light. Immediately they 

 are placed in the full light and heat, growth takes place very rapidly and they may 

 be brought into flower in about three weeks from the time they are. brought up. To 

 obtain a continuity of bloom some are retained in storage for several weeks longer. 



The Darwin tulips are brought up last, generally as late as the middle to the end 

 of February. This lengthens the blooming season of the house bulbs, which by this 

 method lasts for about three months. 



Successful culture of bulbs in the house may be epitomized thus : — 



(1) Pot reasonably early in any good porous soil. 



(2) Place in a cool cellar or room and water regularly or when the soil appears 

 to be in need of water. 



(3) Maintain the temperature of the storage room at about or not above 40 

 degrees. 



(4) After about two months bring up into a temperature of from 50 to 60 degrees 

 and into partial light for about a week. 



(5) Then place in full light and water amply and regularly. 



(6) When in bloom, again place in a cooler temperature, where it is possible to do 

 80. This prolongs the life of the flowers. 



Ottawa. 



