CHAPTER VII 

 THE MARGUERITE CARNATION 



INTRODUCED in the year 1889, this type of Carnation 

 is found very useful for decorative purposes in autumn 

 and winter. There seems to be some misunderstanding 

 as to the source from whence the Marguerite Carnation 

 originated. Mr. Ernest Denary informs me that some say 

 it originated in Sicily ; also that Messrs. Dammann and 

 Co. and a Mr. Hildebrand both claim to be the first to 

 have grown the plants. The stock is obtained from seeds 

 which are sown in February or March, and the plants 

 bloom the same season. At this early time of the year 

 the seed-pan must be put in a warm house, and the young 

 seedlings will appear within a week. It is necessary to keep 

 them growing, by pricking the young plants out as soon 

 as the seed leaves are fully developed. They may be grown 

 on as recommended for the seedlings of border varieties, 

 and be planted out in the open border in May or June. 

 Some good potting soil should be placed around the 

 roots of each plant as it is put into the ground, for 

 the purpose of encouraging the plants to make roots, 

 so that in lifting them out of the ground early in 

 September they may not receive much check to their 

 growth. If it is convenient, they may be grown on in 

 pots all through the summer months, and in that case the 

 flowers will be produced early. These Carnations do not 



