CHAPTER III 



General Greenhouse Culture 

 Raising Plants from Seed 



ONE of the most interesting methods of raising carnation plants is 

 from seed. By this means, new varieties, and in some instances a 

 practical reproduction of older varieties, with renewed and more 

 vigorous constitutions, are produced. In the propagation of plants from 

 cuttings comparatively little variation is secured, the entire stock propagated 

 being a practical reproduction of the original variety. But in raising plants 

 from seed, and particularly from seed taken from carefully cross-fertilized 

 blooms, the varieties produced vary to such an extent that the grower can 

 scarcely prognosticate the result. Great variations in habit, color, form, 

 fragrance, time of blooming, size of flower, quantity of bloom produced and 

 vigor of constitution are secured. Practically all of the new varieties that 

 come into existence are originated from plants grown from cross-fertilized 

 seed. In Chapter XIX. such detailed instructions upon cross fertilization are 

 recorded that anyone able to grow a carnation plant may produce new 

 varieties. Full instructions as to sowing of seed and treating the young 

 carnation plants are also given. 



Propagation from Cuttings 



In growing carnations for cut flowers, the only practical method of pro- 

 ducing large quantities of stock is by propagation from cuttings. It is suffi- 

 cient to state that the best results will be gained by propagating from plants 

 rigidly selected, and showing the desired habits, as well as by selecting wood 

 which is in perfect condition when taken. Cuttings taken the latter part of 

 January and during the months of February and March, even up to the 15th 

 of April, will produce excellent results for winter blooming. Cuttings taken 

 in February will give larger plants, which may be lifted earlier, and which 

 will come into flower sooner and produce larger crops at Christmas and in the 

 fore part of the winter. Throughout my experience, cuttings taken in late 



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