The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 



to their improvement. They will bloom satisfactorily in any shady 

 spot ; but to grow them to perfection requires a stiff moist loam, on 

 the north side of some hedge or shrubbery, where glimpses of sun- 

 shine occasionally play upon them. Here large flowers, intense in 

 colour, will be abundantly produced far into the spring. 



The seed may be sown from May until July. If inclined to take 

 some pains in raising the plants and they are certainly worth it 

 sow in seed-pans in ordinary potting soil ; sprinkle a little sand over 

 the seed, and as a finish press firmly down. Sheets of glass laid over 

 the pans and turned daily will prevent rapid evaporation and help to 

 keep the soil uniformly moist. The seedlings may either be potted 

 once, and then be planted out, or, if strong enough, they may be trans- 

 ferred straight to flowering positions. Should this mode of procedure 

 be considered too troublesome, prepare a shady patch of ground by 

 deep digging ; make it firm and level, and on this sow in shallow drills, 

 covering the seed very lightly. A dressing of soot over the surface, and 

 a cordon of ashes round it, will keep off slugs. Thin if necessary, and 

 when the plants are strong enough, remove to their proper quarters. 

 In February the buds will begin to show, and those intended for pots 

 should be allowed to reveal their colours before they are taken up, 

 so that a variety may be obtained. From a retentive soil each plant 

 with its surrounding earth may be taken out almost exactly of the 

 size required, and it should be rather smaller than the pot which has 

 to accommodate it. A light soil must be watered the day before the 

 operation, or the roots will be injuriously exposed. When potted, 

 place the plants in a shaded cold frame or greenhouse, allowing them 

 plenty of space, and withhold water until it is absolutely necessary. 

 At first they should be kept close, but as the roots become established 

 gradually give air more and more freely. Cool, slow treatment is all 

 that is necessary. Any attempt to hurry the growth will only weaken 

 the plants and ruin the colour of the flowers. Just before the buds 

 open, one or two applications of manure water will be beneficial. 

 When the display in pots is over, if the plants are put out in a shady 

 border, they may flower again late in the season. 



PRIMULA SINENSIS 



Chinese Primrose. Greenhouse annual 



NOT one of our greenhouse plants has received more attention than 

 the Chinese Primula. As originally received into this country the 



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