January 29, 1916 



HORTICULTURE 



135 



NOTES ON CULTURE OF FLORISTS^ STOCK 



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by Mr. Farrell. Such commanlcatlonB sbonld invariably be addressed to tbe office at HORTICDLTUBBI. 



"If vain cor toll, we oupht to blame the cnltnre. not tbe boII." — Pope. 



Carnation Cuttings 



Cuttings should bu taken m the nioruing while they 

 are fresh and crisp. Dip them in cool water and trim 

 up in a cool place. Insert as soon as possible in the 

 propagating bench. Spray lightly early every bright 

 morning to keep the foliage moist during the day, but 

 try to have it dry by night. Before potting harden 

 them up a little by gradually giving more sunlight each 

 day, until the roots have pushed far enough to enable 

 them to stand full sun. Cuttings thus treated ^^dll take 

 hold much quicker as there will be less wilting after 

 potting. As soon as a cutting is well rooted it does not 

 improve by remaining in the sand any longer. Use new 

 soil that has been exposed to the action of the weather. 

 Screen through a half-inch mesh and it is important 

 to have it moist enough. Pot firmly and water thorough- 

 ly as soon after as practical. Shade for a few days and 

 then give full sunlight. 



Chrysanthemums 



It may seem quite early to begin propagating, but 

 where there is any intention to grow show blooms or 

 plants now is the time to begin. Again it is not at all 

 unusual for a new variety to be condemned the first 

 j-ear because the buyer has propagated it late and to 

 the utmost limit, and the plants have not had a chance 

 to prove themselves. Stock plants of the older varieties 

 should have good care to assure good stock when the 

 main batch needs to be propagated. Plants cannot be 

 expected to throw healthy cuttings if they are hidden 

 away from the sunlight. Stock plants should be 

 brought up to tile light at once, even if you have to 

 throw something else out. As soon as the cuttings have 

 roots half an inch or so in length get them out right 

 away and pot into soil. Many cuttings are permanent- 

 ly weakened by being loft in the sand and allowed to 

 make a weak, attenuated growl li and long spindly roots. 

 Odontoglossums 



Plants tliat have not yet iieen repotted should be at- 

 tended to without delay. There is no question that 

 autumn potting is the best. A good compost is fern 

 Next week — Ciirnations; Foliage Plants; Cattleyas; 



liber and live sphagnum ehopped, witli some eliareual in- 

 termixed. Be careful as to watering until they make 

 new roots into the compost. Give plenty of air, but 

 avoid draughts. Of course judgment will have to be 

 used as to outside conditions in giving air. Syringe 

 on bright days, but take care in dull weather not to 

 have the atmosphere overcharged with moisture. Better 

 keep a little more fire heat so as not to entirely cut off 

 ventilation, or produce a stagnant atmosphere. The tem- 

 perature through the winter should range about 50 at 

 night and 60 to 65 with sunshine. They will stand as 

 low as 45 degrees without injury, but less water and 

 syringing should be given under such circumstances. 



Stock Left Over 



Stock left over from the holidays will need attention 

 right away, especially that needed for stock for another 

 year, such as poinsettias. Provide stock plants of these 

 by lifting with as mucli of the soil adliering as possible 

 and set closely packed in boxes, covering the interven- 

 ing bare spaces with soil from the bench. These should 

 be rested under a somewhat dry warm bench until 

 March or later. Save as many stevia plants as will be 

 needed, cut down and place in a light cool house for 

 future cuttings. Azaleas should be placed in a very 

 cool, light house. Anything above the freezing point 

 will do. See that at no time they are allowed to get 

 extremely dry. Ericas will take the same treatment. 

 All such flowering j^lants as Begonia Lorraine, cyclamen 

 and primroses should be given the minimum temper- 

 ature with plenty of ventilation until sold, but if the 

 stock isunsalable don't let it occupy valuable bench room. 



Solanum Cuttings 



Berried solanums make a very fine Christmas plant. 

 Now is the proper time to work up a nice lot of stocks 

 for the next holidays. They will root in any moderately 

 warm propagating bed. When rooted, pot into 2^ or 

 3-inch pots. Tlicy can be grown on in a temperature of 

 from 50 to 55 degrees at night. See tliat they have 

 plenty of sun and syringing on all good days. 



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