Gloxinia 



for the careful hybridisation of the choicest flowers not only per- 

 petuates those colours, but produces other fine shades also. Those 

 who have never seen a large and well-grown collection of seedling 

 Gloxinias have yet to witness one of the most striking displays of 

 floral beauty. 



Quite as much has been done for the foliage of the Gloxinia as for 

 its flower, and the best strains now produce grand leaves which turn 

 downwards and inwards in such a manner as almost to hide the pot, 

 so that the foliage has an extremely ornamental appearance. 



By successive sowings and judicious management it is possible to 

 produce Gloxinias almost the year through. The most important 

 months for sowing seed are January, February and March, and to 

 secure an early display in the following spring some growers sow 

 again in June or July. 



The soil most suited to Gloxinias is a light porous compost of 

 fibrous loam. If this is not obtainable, leaf-mould will answer, 

 mixed with peat and silver sand in about equal parts. New pots are 

 advisable, or old ones must be thoroughly cleansed, and free drain- 

 age is essential to success. Fill with soil to within half an inch 

 of the top. Sow thinly, and slightly cover the seed with very fine 

 earth. Place the pots in a warm, moist position, carefully shading 

 from the sun. A light sprinkling of water daily will be necessary. 

 Immediately some plants are large enough for shifting, lift them 

 tenderly from the seed-pot, so as scarcely to disturb the rest, and prick 

 off into large 6o-pots in which the soil has a convex surface. Follow 

 this process as plants are ready until all the seedlings have been 

 transferred. When potting on allow the leaves to rest on the soil, 

 but avoid covering the hearts. On the first warm day give air on the 

 leeward side of the house, briefly at first, and increase the time as the 

 flowering period approaches. A clear space between each plant is 

 necessary to prevent the leaves of neighbours from meeting. The 

 final shift should be into 48-pots, unless extra fine specimens are 

 required, and then one or two sizes larger may be used. An 

 occasional dose of weak manure water will prove beneficial, taking 

 care that the foliage is not wetted. A moist atmosphere, with the 

 temperature at about 60 to 65, greatly facilitates the growth of 

 Gloxinias. With care, however, they may be well grown in green- 

 houses and pits heated by hot water. Although the plants love a 

 humid atmosphere while growing, this ceases to be an advantage, 

 and, in fact, becomes injurious when the flowers begin to expand. 

 At that time, also, the manure water should be discontinued. 



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