The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 



of unsymmetrical combs will appear; but these, if richly coloured, 

 will be useful for decorative purposes, and should have all the 

 attention needed to keep their leaves fresh and the combs pure in 

 colour. 



COLEUS 



Stove perennial 



THERE is so much difficulty in carrying Coleus through the winter 

 in vigorous health that the modern plan of treating it as an annual 

 is advantageous for the saving of trouble and fire-heat in winter, and 

 also because it offers the charm of constant diversity. The fact is 

 that our winter days are too short and gloomy to maintain the splen- 

 dour of colouring which makes Coleus so attractive and valuable ; 

 and seed from a good strain may be relied on to produce plants 

 which will delight the eye all through the summer and autumn. 

 Some experienced men sow in February and succeed, but the majority 

 of cultivators will show prudence by waiting until March, when 

 increased daylight favours the rapid growth of the plants. Flower- 

 pots are better than pans, as the greater depth affords opportunity of 

 securing effectual drainage. The pots should be nearly half filled 

 with crocks, covered with a layer of moss to prevent the soil from 

 being washed away. Fill them with light turfy loam, mingled with 

 almost an equal bulk of sharp sand. Make an even surface, on 

 which sow thinly, and shake over the seed a slight covering of fine 

 soil. Place the pots in a temperature of not less than 65. Water- 

 ing needs particular care, because of the peculiar liability of the 

 young plants to damp off, especially in dull weather. The strongest 

 seedlings are pretty certain to be those in which green and black 

 predominate, and they may without scruple be removed to make 

 way for the slower-growing but better-coloured specimens. These 

 should be transplanted round the edges of pots while quite small ; 

 and such as show delicate tints, especially those having pink mark- 

 ings on a golden ground, are worth nursing through the early stage 

 with extra care. The pots must be shaded from direct sunshine, 

 but should be kept near the glass. In May the plants will be large 

 enough for 48-sized pots, beyond which there is no occasion to go. 

 When the pots become full of roots the foliage increases in brilliancy, 

 whereas larger pots encourage free growth to the detriment of colour. 

 An occasional dose of manure water will maintain the plants in 

 health. 



236 



