The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 



cow-manure. For the early sowing we have named a rather strong 

 heat will be necessary to bring up the seed. When large enough to 

 handle, prick off the seedlings round the edges of 6o-pots, putting 

 about six plants into each pot. Shade and moisture are requisite to 

 give them a start after each transfer. Subsequently they must be 

 potted on as growth demands, until the final size is reached ; and 

 flowering will not commence so long as increased pot-room is given. 

 The growth must not be hurried, and the plants should at all times 

 be kept free from vermin. The seedlings which have narrow pointed 

 leaves may be consigned to the waste heap without scruple ; but 

 plants with short rounded foliage, especially if dark in colour, are 

 almost certain to prove of high quality. 



GAILLARDIA 



Half-hardy annual and half-hardy perennial 



ALL the Gaillardias are most conveniently grown as annuals from 

 seed. The plants remain in bloom for a long period, and the superb 

 colours have won for these flowers a popular position. The best 

 month in which to sow seed is March, and the plants will then be 

 ready for putting out in May. Any good compost will answer, and 

 only a moderate temperature is necessary to bring up the seedlings. 

 The usual course of procedure in pricking off must be adopted to 

 keep them short and stout. 



GERANIUM 



Pelargonium. Half-hardy perennial 



GERANIUMS of all kinds are most valuable if treated as annuals. In 

 their seedling state the plants are peculiarly robust and charmingly 

 fresh in leafage and flowers, even if amongst them there does not 

 happen to be one that is welcome as a novel florist's flower. When 

 grown from first-class seed, however, a large proportion of fine varieties 

 and a few real novelties ' may be expected. The seed may be sown 

 on any day throughout the year, but February and August are 

 especially suitable. Sow in pans filled with a good mixture, in a 

 somewhat rough state. Cover with a fair sixteenth of an inch of fine 

 soil. Put the seed-pans in a temperature of 60 to 70 if sown in 



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