Carnation Celosia plumosa 



plants are large enough to handle, prick them off into seed-pans, or 

 round the edge of 48-size pots. Place these in a cold pit or in a 

 quiet part of the greenhouse. Give shade and water until the plants 

 have formed six or eight leaves, and then choose a moist day for 

 planting out. 



To in-sure flowering plants in the following summer it is neces- 

 sary to have them strong and robust before the winter sets in. As 

 the blooming stems rise they must be carefully tied to tall sticks, 

 stout enough to carry a cover for the bloom, if the plants are not 

 flowered under glass. When the buds show they should be thinned, 

 leaving as a rule the top, third, and fourth buds. The second is 

 often too near the first, and some will not carry the fourth with 

 vigour. When the petals nearly fill the calyx, each one must be 

 carefully tied with a thin strip of material a little more than halfway 

 down, to prevent the calyx from bursting, which disqualifies the 

 flower for exhibition. 



The introduction of the new early-flowering class has given an 

 immense impetus to the culture of Carnations from seed. All the 

 seedlings offer the advantage of being far more floriferous than plants 

 that have been propagated by the orthodox method, and Vanguard 

 possesses this peculiarity in a very high degree. Within six months 

 from the date of sowing an admirable form of delightfully scented 

 Carnation is at the command of every gardener, and a succession of 

 these popular flowers is available long after the perennial varieties 

 have ceased to bloom. All the usual colours are included, and they 

 not only make a very imposing display in the borders but are of 

 great value for table decoration. Plants from seed sown in January 

 or February will flower freely in the autumn of the same year, and 

 if lifted and potted they will continue in bloom during the winter as 

 ornaments of the greenhouse or conservatory. From another sowing 

 in autumn there will be a display in the following spring. 



CELOSIA PLUMOSA 



Plumed Cockscomb. Greenhouse annual 



THE conditions which suit a liberally grown Cockscomb will pro- 

 duce long graceful plumes of Celosia plumosa, but the starving 

 system will not answer with this plant. Sow in February or March, 

 and by means of a steady heat, regular attention with water, and a 



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