Petunia 



The dwarf varieties attain the height of five to eight inches only, 

 and make admirable edging and bedding plants. The taller strains 

 reach two feet, and are handsome subjects for border and shrubbery 

 work. Both dwarf and tall sections are sufficiently brilliant and free- 

 flowering to produce a beautiful display as pot plants in the green- 

 house and conservatory. 



For indoor decoration, the third week in January will be early 

 enough to commence operations. Two parts of leaf-mould, one ot 

 loam, and one of sharp sand, make an excellent soil for them. Fill 

 the pots or seed-pans within half an inch of the rim, and press the 

 soil firmly down. Sow thinly on an even surface, and cover the seed 

 with almost pure sand. Keep the pots or pans uniformly moist with 

 a fine rose and a light hand, and in a temperature of about 60. 

 Greater heat will render the seedlings weak and straggling. From this 

 condition it will take some skill and much time to redeem them ; 

 indeed, they may not produce a good display of flowers until the 

 season is well-nigh over. Just as the seed is germinating is a critical 

 time for Petunias, and a little extra watchfulness then will be fully 

 repaid. 



In February the sun has not sufficient power to do mischief, 

 so that shading is generally unnecessary. An even temperature and 

 freedom from draughts should insure seedlings strong enough to 

 prick off by the end of that month. Put the plants into seed-pans 

 about an inch apart, so that the first leaves just touch the soil, still 

 using a light compost. 



In April they should be ready for transferring to small 6o-pots. 

 Subsequently they must be potted on as growth demands, until they 

 reach the 48- or even the 32-size. After re-potting place the plants 

 in a sheltered part of the house or frame, where shade can, if neces- 

 sary, be given until the roots are established. Frequent sprinklings 

 of water, and a temperature of 60 or 65, will soon give them a 

 vigorous start. The lights ought to be put down in good time in 

 the evening, but this must be done with judgment, or the plants will 

 lose their healthy colour and assume a yellowish tinge. Insufficient 

 drainage has a precisely similar effect. In about ten days air may 

 be given more freely, and then no suitable opportunity of exposure 

 should be lost. 



In raising Petunias for bedding, the same conditions are appli- 

 cable ; but as it is useless to put them into the open ground until the 

 weather is warm and settled, the sowing need not be made until the 

 end of February or the beginning of March. And for bedding there 



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