78 PICTORIAL PRACTICAL CARNATION GROWING. 
While learning, it is well to disbud to one flower on a stem, except in 
the case of very vigorous plants with particularly strong stems ; in 
their case two, or even three buds may be left. Generally speaking, 
Selfs are stronger than Bizarres, Flakes, and Picotees. In no case 
should one plant be allowed to carry several flower stems. Restrict 
the plant to the main stem. If any secondary or basal lateral stems 
begin to rise nip them out at once. Exercise equal promptitude 
with the buds. Ifa bud has got to go, pick it out directly it can be 
got hold of ; do not wait until it is half expanded. ; 
The upper or crown bud is the most important. Ifa stem is to be 
allowed to carry two flowers let them be the crown and the 
fourth from the top; if three buds the crown, third, and fourth 
from the top. The respective systems are shown in one pot of 
three in Fig. 34, and the references accompanying it will make 
the details quite clear. 
The results of disbudding are shown in Figs. 35 and 36, re- 
spectively a Picotee and a Carnation. ‘ 
In Fig. 35 three Picotee plants are grown in an 8-inch pot.- Each 
plant has been restricted to one flowering stem, the others being 
pinched out at an early stage. Disbudding has been practised, so 
that only three buds have been left on each flowering stem, namely, 
the crown or main bud and the third and fourth from it. The shoots 
have been secured to spiral stakes, and the buds lightly looped to 
them. Such a pot of plants is handsome and effective in itself, apart 
from the fact that it yields exhibition flowers. 
In Fig. 36, p. 81, one Carnation plant has been grown in a 6-inch 
pot, and a little more freedom allowed. Side flowering shoots as well 
as the central have been retained, and only basal flower buds 
removed. The blooms are not so fine individually, but they are 
good for cutting. 
Staking. 
Attention to staking is as necessary in pots as in the garden, 
for if the plants are not so muck affected by wind the large 
prize flowers are heavy and the stems long. 
The commonest and cheapest form of stake is the green deal 
“ flower stick” of the florist. It can be purchased in bundles of 50 
or 100, either plain or painted, of various lengths. This with West’s 
green Raffiatape, makes a neat and inconspicuous combination. 
Ordinary bass or raphia may be used, but it is more obtrusive than 
Raffiatape, and, what is more, is not in so convenient a form for use. 
It is purchased in bundles, Raffiatape on reels. 
Whatever tying material is used, care should be taken to allow 
of the stem spindling up freely. This cannot be the case if the 
FIG. 35 (NEXT PAGE).—RESULTS OF DISBUDDING. 
Three plants of a Picotee in an 8-inch pot, only the central flower stem 
having been allowed to remain on each. 
