The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 

 SOLANUM 



Annual and perennial ; half-hardy 



SOLANUMS are of importance, some as greenhouse plants, and others 

 as sub-tropical bedders. They are somewhat tender in constitution, 

 and must have good cultivation in a light rich soil. A sharp look- 

 out for red spider is necessary, for this pest is very partial to Solanums. 

 March is early enough to sow the seed, but for ordinary purposes 

 April is to be preferred. By the middle of June the plants will be 

 strong enough to put out, and with genial weather will make rapid 

 progress. Those grown for their berries may be sown from February 

 onwards, as it is important to secure bushy plants before they begin 

 to flower, and an early start insures an early ripening of the bright, 

 handsome fruit. 



STOCK 



Mathiola. Annual and biennial ; half-hardy 



STOCKS comprise three divisions the Annual, which includes all the 

 Ten-week and Pyramidal forms ; the intermediate, so excellent for 

 pot culture ; and the Biennial, which includes the well-known 

 Brompton and Queen varieties all splendid border flowers. 



Annual Stocks are a large family, and include a wonderful 

 variety of colours, as well as considerable diversity in the habit of 

 growth. For their brightness, durability, and fragrance they are 

 deservedly popular. It is usual to sow the seed under glass from the 

 middle to the end of March. Pans or shallow boxes, filled with sweet 

 sandy soil, make the best of seed-beds, and it may be well to say 

 at once that no plants pay better for care and attention than the sub- 

 jects now under consideration. Sow thinly, that the plants may have 

 room to become stout while yet in the seed-bed, and from the very 

 outset endeavour to impart a hardy constitution by giving air freely 

 whenever the weather is suitable. This does not mean that they are 

 to be subjected to some cutting blast that will cripple the plants 

 beyond redemption, but that no opportunity should be lost of partial 

 or entire exposure whenever the atmosphere is sufficiently genial to 

 benefit them. If a cold frame on a spent hot-bed can be spared, it 

 may be utilised by pricking off the seedlings into it, or the pans and 

 boxes may simply be placed under its protection. The nearer the 



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