The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 



DIANTHUS 



Pink. Hardy biennial 



MANY varieties of Dianthus claim attention for their elegant forms 

 and splendour of colouring. They have been so wonderfully improved 

 by scientific growers that they almost supersede the old garden Pinks, 

 and have the great advantage of coming true from seed. D. Heddewigii 

 (Japan Pink) and its varieties, D. chinensis (Indian Pink) and D. 

 imperialis^ make interesting and sumptuous beds, and may all be 

 flowered the first year from sowings made in heat in February. Imme- 

 diately the seedlings are through the soil it is important to shift them 

 to a rather lower temperature than is necessary for insuring germina- 

 tion, or the plants become soft and worthless. Be very sparing with 

 water, especially if the soil is at all retentive. When two leaves are 

 formed, transfer to pans, allowing about an inch between each plant, 

 and place in a sheltered position. Gradually introduce them to cool 

 treatment, and when ready prick off again, allowing each plant more 

 space. They will thus have a much better start, when planted out 

 in May, than if taken from the seed-pans direct. 



When there are no facilities for raising Dianthus in heat, it is 

 quite easy to grow plants in an open spot from a sowing in June 

 or July, and they will flower freely in the following year. Place 

 finely sifted soil in drills drawn about six inches apart, and cover 

 the seed very lightly. Shade must be given during germination, 

 but when the seedlings are up it should be gradually withdrawn. 

 Transfer to final positions in August. Should this be impossible, 

 prick the plants out, and shift them again a little later. It will only 

 do harm to leave them crowded in the seed-bed, and the second 

 move will enable them all the better to withstand winter frosts- 

 Dianthus thrives in a sandy or loamy soil, with full exposure to 

 sunshine, and the plants scarcely need water or any attention the 

 whole season through. 



DIGITALIS 



Foxglove. Hardy perennial 



BESIDES the native Purple Foxglove, largely grown in gardens, there 

 are several very handsome varieties that are valuable for adorn- 

 ing borders, shrubberies and woodland walks. Specially worthy of 



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