235 

 CULTIVATION. 



The Capsicum is a tender plant, and cannot withstand frosts or cold 

 winds consequently, it is no use attempting to cultivate when those 

 contingencies are probable. The plants thrive to the greatest perfection 

 in the warmer portions of Australia, where the perennial species will 

 retain their vigor for several years. But it is quite possible to grow the 

 annual species to perfection, and also other kinds with extra care, in the 

 cooler districts, as also in Tasmania and New Zealand. In the medium^ 

 warm or cooler regions it is useless either to sow seed or plant in the 

 open ground till all danger from frost has passed. But growth may be 

 forwarded by growing seed in a hot bed in winter, potting off the young 

 plants as soon as they are fit to handle, and keeping them steadily 

 growing till the season is sufficiently advanced for planting them out. 

 In the warmer regions not subject to frost, planting or sowing should be 

 done early in the spring. The biennial and perennial species will make 

 uninterrupted growth through the winter in tropical or semi-tropical 

 regions, but in cooler localities they must be slightly sheltered to protect 

 them from the effects of frosts. In the colder districts it will be necessary 

 to take up and house the plants during the winter, in order to preserve 

 them. Capsicums may be classed as ornamental plants, and, independent 

 of their value for economic purposes, are desirable for flower gardens, 

 where their high coloured fruit is very effective. When grown as a crop 

 Capsicums should be planted in rows, four or five feet apart, leaving the 

 same distance between in the lines, according to the growth of the kind. 

 All the species are strong feeders, and require a rich soil to bring them to 

 perfection. 



PROPAGATION. 



Capsicums are usually raised from seed, but, if necessary, the biennial 

 and perennial species may be readily propagated from cuttings. When 

 seed is required the largest and best shaped pods should be selected for 

 the purpose, allowing them to get thoroughly ripe. The pods should 

 then be allowed to get thoroughly dry, and,* when practicable, the seed 

 ought to be left in them till it is required for use. Seed should be sown 

 in light rich soil, covering it to the depth of a quarter of an inch. It 

 may be sown in the open ground, but the results will be more certain if 

 a frame is used. When the young plants are about two inches high, they 

 should be replanted into small beds, or potted, to remain till five or six 

 inches in height, when they may be planted out permanently. They 

 may be planted direct from the seed beds, but there will be less risk by 

 transplanting previously as recommended. Cuttings of the young shoots, 

 taken off three or four inches long, will strike freely if inserted about 

 an-inch deep in sand or light soil. 



SPECIES. 



The following list includes the most desirable species in cultivation, 

 an 1 each of these has several varieties that differ more or less from their 

 parents. 



