THE CINERARIA. 



173 



Fig. 2787. Cinerarias AT THE O. A. C, Guelph. 



inches in diameter. It is perhaps question- 

 aWe whether these abnormally large flow- 

 ers are to be preferred to the more moderate 

 sized flowers, as oftentimes — more especial- 

 ly with chrysanthemums — other good points 

 such as beauty of form, habit of growth, 

 and robustness of constitution are often lost 

 sight of in the endeavor to secure flowers of 

 enormous size. 



The variety C. stellata is of a tall branch- 

 mg habit, and in many respects resembles 

 the original type C. cruenta, with the ex- 

 ception that the flowers of C. stellata are 

 often seen in various shades of color rang- 

 ing from creamy white to pink, red and blue. 



The flowers of C. stellata keep fresh much 

 longer when cut than do those of C. hybrida 

 grandiflora. a point that will enhance its 

 value as a florists flower. The flowers of 

 C. stellata are usually self-colored (one 

 color), and are only about an inch in diame- 

 ter. (The plants of C. stellata can be seen 

 in the background of the accompanying cut. 

 in the centre row of plants.) 



There is no winter or early spring flower- 



ing plant that will give such a gorgeous and 

 varied display of blossom as the Cineraria 

 if the plants are well grown. Greenhouse 

 Cinerarias are grown from seed usually, and 

 treated as annuals. Seed sown in June. 

 July or August will produce plants that will 

 flower from Christmas until April or May. 

 A cool temperature, about 50 degrees at 

 night to 65 degrees in the daytime will suit 

 them very well. A moist atmosphere and 

 plenty of water at the roots are also desir- 

 able. Frequent syringing of the foliage 

 whilst the plants are growing is necessary. 

 Partial shade must be given the plants dur- 

 ing hot sunny weather. 



The green aphis and red spider are the 

 worst, insect pests that attack the Cineraria. 

 Tobacco smoke or tobacco water will kill 

 the aphis. Copious syringing with water 

 and a moist atmosphere are the best preven- 

 tives of red spider. Thrip sometimes at- 

 tacks Cinerarias. Dipping the foliage in 

 strong tobacco water is the best remedy for 

 thrip. Cinerarias cannot be grown very 

 successfully as window plants. 



