June 6, 1914 



HOETICULTURE 



829 



NOTES ON CULTURE OF FLORISTS^ STOCK 



CONDCCTBD BY 



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p^Pa/iAZ^ 



Questions by our readers in line with any of the topics presented an thla page will be cordially receded and promptly answered 

 by Mr. Farrell. Spch communications should invariably be addressed to the office ot HORTICULTURE. 



Outdoor Sweet Peas 



Sweet peas will now need ilie lioe or I'ultivator at least 

 every ten days. Over a large portion of the cotuitry the 

 spring and early sTinimer rainfall becomes deficient, so 

 watering during dry weather becomes necessary as sweet 

 pea revels in plenty of moisture at the roots. See that 

 they are kept well up to the supports, for when they are 

 allowed to fall over the flower stems become crooked. 

 When the flowers begin to appear a good mulch of well 

 rotted manure will be found of great benefit to them. 

 If you doubt as to the real good which comes out of 

 this, do a little experimenting and let part of a row go 

 without any. When they begin to bloom keep all the 

 flowers jjicked off so they will not form pods. This will 

 keep them in flower longer. It is always better to pick 

 the flowers early in the morning or late in the afternoon. 



Palms 



Air freely, now that the (lay.s are so warm, and keep 

 plenty of moisture in the atmosphere. A couple of 

 hosings overhead on clear days should also be given with 

 a carefully directed pressure, which will not only help to 

 keep the foliage clear of dirt, but also will assist materi- 

 ally in preventing the spread of scale. If there are large 

 palms that need repotting this is an excellent time to do 

 this work, as nearly all the palms and other decorative 

 stock make a heavy growth during the summer and the 

 more they are encouraged the better. If larger pots are 

 not required remove some of the old soil from the roots 

 and replace with a fresh compost of fibrous loam three 

 parts, well rotted cow manure one part, and aljout a 5- 

 inch pot of bone meal to a barrow load. If rains have 

 washed off considerable of the shading applied to the 

 glass some time ago it will be necessary to use some more 

 whitening on the roof as many palms are quite easily 

 scorched. Select some of the tougher leaved kinds and 

 stand them outdoors. 



Bay Trees 



Bay trees that have not been potted for three or four 

 years will need some attention now in the way of a shift 

 or a top-dressing. Where they need repotting give them 

 a good heavy soil three parts, well rotted cow manure one 

 part, witli good sprinkling of bone meal. See that the 

 compost is well rammed all around the ball as they like 

 the soil good and firm. For bays that do not need re- 

 potting it is a good plan to remove all the top soil down 

 to the fine roots and renew with a rich compost. Place 

 them where they will be handy for water as they should 

 ^ get a good syringing often. During the summer they 

 r— will enjoy an application of liquid manure about every 

 ^ ten days. This treatment can be given to all pot or tub 

 , evergreens, .such as English yews, aucubas, araucaria.s, 

 -^ laurels, hollies, etc. 



2' Mr. Farrell's next notes will be uu tlif followiug: Buuvardias; 

 ^:; Siinimc-r Treatment of Potted 



Poinsettias 



I'oinsettias that were .-tarted growing al)out May 1st 

 will now have sent out plenty of young growths, which 

 root readily. Such as are rooted now will produce 

 bracts a foot or more in diameter and be suitable either 

 for benching or making up later into large pans. Poin- 

 settias root at any time from spring until fall provided 

 they are not allowed to wilt from sun or neglect of water. 

 They must be shaded on all bright days and faithfully 

 kept wet in the propagating sand. In very hot or bright 

 weather, once a day may not be enough. Water the sand 

 copiously twice a day. Don't be afraid. Another crit- 

 ical time is just after potting off from the propagating 

 bed. P'or the two weeks there must be no neglect. Be 

 as careful with shading and watering as you were while 

 the cuttings were in the sand. After once making roots ' 

 in the pots they endure the brightest sun and must have 

 it. 



Orchids 



During tiieir growing season a high degree of mois- 

 ture must lie maintained in the atmosphere of the house, 

 the amount and frequency of the watering and sprink- 

 ling of tJie floors, etc., of the house being largely regu- 

 lated by the weather. Ventilation must also be care- 

 fully regulated, avoiding cold draughts and sudden 

 changes. Shading should be attended to but give all 

 the light jiossible; this in nine cases out of ten, is over- 

 done. This refers to all orchids. As the season ad- 

 vances the temperature in this department will require 

 more air to be given, consequently more frequent damp- 

 ing with syringing overhead once or twice a day will be 

 necessary; air should be left on during damp weather to 

 prevent the young growths from rotting. The plants 

 should be all sponged over to remove any thrips, scale or 

 insects before the young growths appear. Varieties such 

 as Cattleya Triana^ Percivaliana and others, starting 

 action in "poor material, should be repotted. Coelogyne 

 cristata and its varieties will now have finished blooming 

 and will soon start into new growth and root action. A 

 free, cool atmosphere, with spraying overhead once or 

 twice a day, and all the sun during winter is necessary 

 to ensure good flowering plants of tliis very useful orchid 

 for cutting pur]ioses. 



Spraying and Syringing 



When we get warm summer weather that makes the 

 thermometer register anywhere from 80 to 90 degrees in 

 the shade, all such plants as carnations, chrysanthe- 

 mums, palms, ferns, roses, etc., will be greatly helped by 

 syringing. Do not let the houses have a dry atmosphere. 

 Keep the paths damp at least three times a day. 



Newly Planted Chrysanthemums; Cyclamen; Outdoor Roses; 

 Roses; Sowing Late Annuals. 



